Previous winners

Lorna was selected in recognition of her professional success which saw her receive a Michelin Star just five months into her first head chef role at Cail Bruich. She graduated with a HNC in professional cookery from UHI Moray in 2008. She was the first solo female chef in Scotland to be awarded a star in 20 years and the only female chef to have ever received one in Glasgow.

James is an entrepreneur, writer and sustainability expert who is one of the world’s leading voices on the sustainability of islands. He graduated in 2018 with an MLitt in Island Studies from the Institute for Northern Studies at UHI Orkney. James has established Island Innovation, an exciting development in island studies and island networking. It holds the annual Virtual Island Summit, which attracts heads of island governments, academics, and business interests from around the world.

Anne began her media career soon after graduating with a BA Gaelic and North Atlantic Studies in 2008. She has presented a variety of TV shows from sport to entertainment and on many political, social and cultural issues across Europe on the BBC's award-winning Gaelic current affairs programme, Eòrpa.  Anne is currently a main anchor for Gaelic news programme An Là on BBC Alba, presents on Reporting Scotland’s weather forecasts and BBC Scotland’s rural affairs programme Landward.

Rachael founded ALICAS, a social enterprise which gifts bespoke clothing parcels to women who have fled abusive relationships. Made using surplus retail stock, the packs are tailored to the styles, sizes and religious or cultural needs. The enterprise was awarded a place at the RBS’ Entrepreneur Accelerator at the company’s headquarters in Edinburgh. Rachael was also awarded a RSE Unlocking Ambition Enterprise Fellowship to allow her to develop the venture with support from CREATE, the Centre for Enterprise and Innovation at UHI Inverness.

Andrew graduated from UHI Perth in 2013 with a BA in Health Studies. After graduating, Andrew was offered an opportunity to manage a care home in Gibraltar. Since then, he has set up his own home care service and training agency there. His facility is based on the principle of person-centred care which enables older adults to engage with people of all ages and the natural environment, rather than being segregated.

Julie is a highly acclaimed Scottish singer and musician. Her contribution to Scottish culture was recognised by the Scots Traditional Music Association from whom she received awards for Gaelic singer of the Year (2008), Album of the Year (2010) and Traditional Music in the Media (2012). Julie also received numerous accolades and awards for her musical performance in Disney Pixar’s box office hit Brave, set in the ancient highlands of Scotland. Over and above her work as a performer, with three highly acclaimed studio albums, Julie has imparted her skills to young people through the Fèis movement.

After his degree Matthew began working for the Faldo Series; a global golf initiative that gives opportunity to young people. Matthew was responsible for planning and coordinating the 20 tournaments in 14 countries on the European Schedule.  Matthew also ran the European Grand Final, planning and co-ordination the five day event which featured 100 golfers from 17 different countries, and was broadcast on Sky Sports and the Golf Channel in the USA.