Meet our Digital Student Ambassadors
Introducing our dynamic team of Digital Student Ambassadors, the enthusiastic faces dedicated to sharing their unique learning experiences with you.
Each ambassador brings a distinct perspective and diverse background, offering a genuine glimpse into life as a student, and what makes UHI North, West and Hebrides a special place to learn and grow.
Sophie Ann Manson
Hello! My name is Sophie, a 24-year-old Veterinary Nursing student originally from Shetland. I am doing my work placement with Conanvet based in Conon Bridge where I now live with my 3.5-year-old Romanian rescue dog, Cinders. I am very passionate about the care and welfare of animals. I am also rather passionate about students’ rights and having their voices heard.
Abby Teague
Hello! My name is Abby and I am currently in my first year of studying at UHI on the Adventure Education course. I grew up in 2 busy cities - Los Angeles and Edinburgh so retreating to the Highlands to study has certainly been a contrast but one of the best decisions I have made nonetheless!
I absolutely adore studying here and making the most of what both the University and the Highlands of Scotland have to offer: from gorgeous scenery to explore and adventure around to fantastic teaching staff who really know what they are talking about.
I have always loved the outdoors and so that is why in summer 2023 I took on a job at an outdoors residential centre where I assisted many instructors on a variety of activities. During this time I realised that I would love to have a career in the outdoors field. I am forever grateful for my course at SOAS UHI which I know will help mould me into the best I can be in the sector
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies
Tiandra Anderson
I'm Tiandra Anderson, currently in my third year of the Adventure Tourism Management degree in Fort William. Although I was born in the Scottish Borders, I moved to Alicante, Spain at a young age and spent most of my early years there. I moved to Fort William after completing a year-long college course on the Isle of Skye, where I decided to pursue my passion for outdoor adventure studies.
With a history of playing football in Spain, I've always been sporty, so discovering Mountain Biking was great! I've accomplished some pretty cool things in a relatively short period, including participating in races. I've been fortunate to secure a few sponsors and now compete in British and Scottish downhill races.
Find out more about studying Adventure Tourism Management at UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Neil Barker
I’m Neil Barker, a proud (new) Siarach pursuing a BA Hons in Scottish History & Archaeology here at UHI NWH. At 61, I am a late returnee to academic life. What better place to study than an island so rich in archaeological sites and cultural history?
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD, which explained many of the challenges I faced with studying throughout my life.
My life revolves around sea swimming. My friend and I set up Hebridean Siarach Sea Swimmers, Hebrides Mountain Rescue, and the Isle Jog running group.
I’m married to Maggie, and we have a retriever named Angus, a cat named Patches, a feisty cockerel, and five hens.
After moving here in 2020, I discovered last year that I have family connections just down the road in Doune Carloway. Amazing!
-600x565.jpeg "Neil Barker in front of some coastal scenery")
Sam Francis
Hi there, my name is Sam. I’m a first year Adventure Tourism Management student. Growing up in a Forces family meant I had a bit of a nomadic childhood – 6 schools and 4 countries later, I've got quite the story to tell! But no matter where I was, one thing remained constant: my love for the great outdoors.
In 2019, I decided to turn that passion into a career by undertaking an apprenticeship to become an Outdoor Activity Instructor. It was there that I realized just how fulfilling and exciting a life in the outdoors could be. Fast forward a bit, and after a brief hiatus from the sector, I knew I had to get back to what I loved. That's when I found myself at UHI, starting my Adventure Tourism Management journey in September 2023.
When I'm not studying or out exploring, you can bet you'll find me near water. Whether Stand Up Paddleboarding, Wild Swimming, or Kayaking, you name it, I'm there! Fort William is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like me. With its stunning rivers, lochs, and coastline, there's always an adventure waiting just around the corner.
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies
Katie Winton
Hiya I’m Katie. I am a second-year student studying Equine Business Management at the UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso Campus. I've always had a love for animals, particularly horses. I am currently doing the course online and visit Thurso for short blocks to horse ride. Kai (my little dog) also gets to come to college too!
I was diagnosed with Dyslexia when I was a teenager and always struggled with school. I never had the best grades or the motivation in school. I had no clue what my future was. Until I found the perfect course for me. I have never had better grades and I want to achieve at UHI.
I can only say positive things about UHI, and I want to share that. UHI has something for everyone. I am excited to share the rest of my UHI experience. I hope more people like me can have the same UHI opportunities.
Orla Rooney
My name is Orla Rooney I am a 3rd year student studying professional golf based in Dornoch. I am a keen golfer, enjoying my student experience and studies. My hobbies are golf, going to the gym and running went I am not doing the following I am spending time with my family and friend, watching football, getting my nails done or buying trainers.
I am 20 years old from Glasgow, so as you can imagine coming to Dornoch was very different from my usual city life. The change was fun; now living on the golf course, next to a beach and being to able to walk The Falls of Dornoch on half a day is not too bad.
Find out more about studying Golf Management at UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Stephen Button
Hiya, I’m Stephen but mostly known as Steve!
I am a mature postgraduate research student working towards a PhD within the Centre for Recreation & Tourism Research (CRTR), based in Fort William. My project focuses on Recreation Conflict, examining the rise of e-Mountain Biking and how it impacts and interacts with traditional Mountain Biking and other outdoor recreation activities within the great outdoors of Scotland and the wider UK.
I feel so privileged to be studying at UHI NWH and I love the mountains, lochs, and the friendly culture that Scotland offers so dearly. Combining my long-held passion for cycling and outdoor recreation with my research project is a dream come true. I hope to work on similar projects as a full-time researcher, lecturer, or in a related role when I complete my studies in 2025.
My background prior to studying here includes earning both a degree and a master’s in Countryside Recreation Management and Innovation Entrepreneurship. This led me to various roles, including spells as a ranger, which I loved, a period of self-employment (cycling-related, of course), and some FE lecturing.
I have been fortunate enough to travel extensively overseas, with my favorite destinations being Alaska, Canada, and New Zealand. However, I mostly love the splendour and simplicity of the Scottish coasts, highlands, and islands, not forgetting the splendid Borders! The best places are generally closer to home, I find!
Currently, I live in North Lancashire, so I periodically commute up and down by bike and train, which gives me great pleasure and time to read. This fits in perfectly with the excellent remote programme and connections that UHI NWH provides for all its students!
2.JPG "Student ambassador Stephen Button")
Lena Marie Meier
Hello, my name is Lena and I am currently a student at UHI since 2023. I am originally from Germany but fell in love with this gorgeous country and its beautiful landscape and therefore decided to study the Adventure Education BAH course in Fort William. I am now in second year.
Through the course I've been able to try our a lot of new sports and activities and I'm very thankful for such an active Uni life! But also in my free time, when not studying, I love to explore the country and go hiking, swimming, climbing... so it is absolutely great to live here in between mountains and the water and have all that so close by!
It's been a great experience so far to move to Scotland and study and work here, but also to live abroad in general and I am excited to share these adventures with everyone, whether studying here already or still thinking about it!
Find out more about studying with the School of Adventure Studies