UHI student

Lewis man Chris Macdonald, television cameraman-turned engineering graduate, has become the 2010 UHI student of the year.

Chris, 42, took the title from candidates at UHI partner colleges, learning and research centres across the region, winning a total of £300. The judges – UHI principal James Fraser, students’ association president Nathan Shields, marketing and communications director Martin Wright, and rector Val MacIver - found him a "remarkable" student for his commitment, academic achievement and major contribution to college life, keen to help others enjoy and get the best from the student experience.

Now the proud holder of a BSc engineering degree in renewable energy, with distinction, Chris went through as the Lews Castle College UHI student of the year. He gave up full-time work to study at the college, and now hopes to pursue a new career in engineering.

Chris, who lives in Ranish with his wife, Mairi, and four-year-old son, Ruairidh, said: “I was really happy to win the college award – and to be awarded the overall UHI title is just amazing! My recent graduation was a proud day and a great reward for me and my family who have supported me throughout.

“I wanted to build up my own professional portfolio and give myself new skills. In the current economic climate, the more employment options you can give yourself, the better.”

James Fraser, the UHI principal and judges’ chair, said: “Choosing the successful candidate was monumentally difficult, faced with such an array of talent and inspiring stories, so Chris can be assured that he is a very worthy winner.”

Chris worked part-time to support his family while excelling in all aspects of his course, even though he had no previous engineering background.

He developed an innovative system to evaluate the thermal behaviour of new building materials as his major course project, and took a leading role in the college’s contribution to the first Western Isles science festival in March – arranging for students to produce a variety of exhibits demonstrating basic science principles to the public.

A good role model to other students, particularly his younger colleagues, Chris is now one of several new members of the college board of management following a public advertisement and appointment process

Former TV cameraman is student of the year 4/9/10