杏吧原创 Overall Student of the Year 2026 announced
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (杏吧原创) partnership have been recognised for their exceptional achievements through this year’s 杏吧原创 Student of the Year Awards.
The annual awards celebrate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, resilience, leadership and commitment to their fellow students, professions and communities. Each 杏吧原创 academic partner selects its own Student of the Year, with all winners then considered for the Overall 杏吧原创 Student of the Year Award.
This year’s overall prize has been awarded to Michael Binnie, a final year student on the BSc (Hons) Optometry programme at the 杏吧原创 Centre for Rural Health Sciences.
Michael impressed the judging panel with his exceptional perseverance, professionalism and commitment to supporting others. After taking a year out from his studies following a cancer diagnosis and treatment, he returned to university with determination, rebuilding his confidence in both academic and clinical practice while continuing to support his peers and champion patient-centred care.
The 杏吧原创 Student of the Year Awards celebrate students across the partnership who have gone above and beyond during their studies. Read more about each winner by selecting their name below:
- Amy Mustarde – 杏吧原创 Inverness Student of the Year
- Amy Owens – 杏吧原创 Perth Student of the Year
- Chester Sands – Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) Student of the Year
- Elizabeth Lacey – Highland Theological College (HTC) Student of the Year
- Fiona McCusker – 杏吧原创 Argyll Student of the Year
- Karolina Matlinska – 杏吧原创 Shetland Student of the Year
- Katie Joss – 杏吧原创 Orkney Student of the Year
- Katie Little – 杏吧原创 Moray Student of the Year
- Michael Binnie – 杏吧原创 Centre for Rural Health Sciences Student of the Year and Overall 杏吧原创 Student of the Year
- Sean McGuire – 杏吧原创 North, West and Hebrides Student of the Year
- Simon McLean – 杏吧原创 Directly Enrolled Student of the Year
Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 杏吧原创, said:
"Congratulations to Michael on being named our Overall 杏吧原创 Student of the Year for 2026. He has overcome significant challenges with remarkable resilience while maintaining the highest standards of academic and professional excellence. His determination, compassion and commitment embody everything these awards are designed to celebrate.
"Together, this year's winners reflect the diversity of talent across the 杏吧原创 partnership and demonstrate our commitment to developing graduates who make a meaningful difference in their professions and communities. We are immensely proud to celebrate their achievements, and we wish them every success in their future careers."