UHI Overall Student of the Year 2026 announced
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been recognised for their exceptional achievements through this year’s UHI 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 UHI academic partner selects its own Student of the Year, with all winners then considered for the Overall UHI Student of the Year Award.
This year’s overall prize has been awarded to Michael Binnie, a final year student on the BSc (Hons) Oral Health Science programme at the UHI 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 UHI 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 – UHI Inverness Student of the Year
- Amy Owens – UHI 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 – UHI Argyll Student of the Year
- Karolina Matlinska – UHI Shetland Student of the Year
- Katie Joss – UHI Orkney Student of the Year
- Katie Little – UHI Moray Student of the Year
- Michael Binnie – UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences Student of the Year and Overall UHI Student of the Year
- Sean McGuire – UHI North, West and Hebrides Student of the Year
- Simon McLean – UHI Directly Enrolled Student of the Year
Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UHI, said:
"Congratulations to Michael on being named our Overall UHI 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 UHI 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."