Social Science Graduate named this years’ James Smith Award Winner 

UHI Moray Graduate, Alan Brown has been named the James Smith Award winner of 2025.

Alan started his journey on our NC Social Sciences SQCF Level 5 course in 2021 and has since progressed and graduated with a HNC in Social Sciences. 

Alan lived, breathed and slept Social Sciences. From day one, he gave it everything he had. Whether it was tackling tricky topics or mastering new skills, Alan never backed down. He chatted with staff, leaned on his classmates, and kept pushing until he nailed it. He was dedicated to challenging inequality, to the detriment of their own health sometimes, and he worked to apply a mature outlook on the issues he cannot resolve.  

Praised as being a role model to his peers, Alan not only gave his all to his studies, but he also supported his fellow course mates. Throughout his studies he fed fellow students, bring in snacks and drinks for some of his disorganised peers. His resilience and overwhelmingly positive outlook on life lifted both staff and student spirits on multiple occasions and he acted as a catalyst for class discussions, inspiring others to take part and engage more in class. 

“The sense of community that Alan fostered is mature and empathic, applying a different sense of worth to his studies and dedicating himself to bettering his own future but also providing a secure future for his family. He brought a maturity to the groups and this motivated his peers to challenge their own priorities. It gives me immense pride to announce him as this years’ James Smith Award winner”

Lucy Huby, Head of Curriculum 

The James Smith Award is given to one student who has shown outstanding dedication to their course, fellow students & local community. James was Scotland’s leading outdoor and indoor physically disabled bowler and travelled the world representing Scotland. He studied Multimedia here at UHI Moray and was well known among us.