Award-winning UHI Perth history graduates recognised
for outstanding achievements
Two members of the UHI Perth history community have been recognised for their exceptional contributions and achievements, with graduate Sam Baillie receiving the UHI Alumni of the Year Award and Hilary Robertson awarded the prestigious James Hunter Dissertation Prize for History.
The awards celebrate excellence in both alumni contribution and academic achievement, highlighting the strength of the UHI Centre for History and the successes of its students and graduates.
Sam, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Scottish History in 2017, received the UHI Alumni of the Year Award in recognition of his continued support for the UHI Centre for History and his efforts to promote its activities and opportunities. Since graduating, Sam has remained closely connected to the Centre and has been an enthusiastic advocate for its work.
Hilary, who recently graduated with a first-class BA (Hons) Scottish History degree, received the James Hunter Dissertation Prize for producing the year's outstanding history dissertation. The award recognises excellence in historical research and scholarship and is presented annually by the UHI Centre for History.
Dr Lucinda Dean, Senior Lecturer in History and Interim Head of the UHI Centre for History, said: "It is fantastic to see two members of our UHI Perth history community recognised for their achievements and contributions to the study of history.
"Sam has been an exceptional supporter and ambassador for the Centre since graduating, and this award reflects the impact he continues to have. Hilary's dissertation demonstrated an outstanding standard of historical research and scholarship. Winning the James Hunter Dissertation Prize is a tremendous achievement and a fitting recognition of the hard work that went into her studies. We are immensely proud of them both."
Sam said: "Receiving this award means a great deal to me. UHI gave me a chance when I needed one and showed me that your grades or background do not define your potential. The support and encouragement I received helped me see the difference I could make, and I'm incredibly grateful to the UHI Centre for History and the wider UHI team for believing in me."
Hilary added: "I was surprised and thrilled to learn my dissertation had been awarded the prize. I enjoyed doing the research and having it recognised as making a real contribution to the field was wonderful. I benefitted hugely from Dr Dean's advice and guidance, and I had great support from my family. Winning the prize feels like a fantastic acknowledgement of all that went into completing the dissertation."