UHI students compete for the 2026 Varsity Cup

The third University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Varsity tournament brought together students from across the UHI partnership for a day of sport and friendly competition.

The annual event, held on Wednesday 1 April, took place for the first time at the Academy of Sport and Wellbeing at the UHI Perth campus. Organised by Active Campus Coordinators, it welcomed 110 students across 16 teams from UHI Inverness, UHI Moray and UHI Perth, competing in football, volleyball and basketball.

UHI Perth were crowned champions, taking home the Varsity Cup after strong performances across all three sports. They take the title from UHI Inverness, who had held it for the previous two years.

Now a highlight of the UHI sporting calendar, the event plays an important role in encouraging students to get active while strengthening the student community across UHI’s unique geography. It offers opportunities for students to meet, compete and build connections in a supportive and inclusive environment.

In volleyball, UHI Perth Team 1 dominated, winning all their matches and defeating UHI Perth Team 2 in the final. UHI Inverness secured third place after a narrow win over UHI Moray.

In football, UHI Moray and three UHI Perth teams reached the semi-finals, with UHI Perth Team 1 defeating UHI Perth ESOL Team 5 -1 in the final.

In basketball, UHI Inverness Team 1 took first place, followed by UHI Inverness Team 2. UHI Perth Team 2 and Team 1 placed third and fourth, with UHI Moray Team 2 and Team 1 finishing fifth and sixth.

Jack Whyte, Active Campus Coordinator at UHI Moray said:

“A highlight of basketball was the sportsmanship shown. More experienced players supported beginners both on and off the court, which was fantastic to see and really captured the spirit of the event. We’re also grateful to those who stepped in to help with scoring and refereeing.

“UHI Moray students loved the event, particularly getting to use the amazing facilities at UHI Perth. It allowed our students to feel part of a wider institution by building cross campus relationships.”

Chloe MacGregor, Active Campus Coordinator at UHI Inverness said:

“It was amazing to see so many students come together for UHI Varsity 2026. To watch them congratulate each other and show great sportsmanship is what this event is all about. All the planning and hard work has been worth it, and I couldn't have asked for better teammates than Jack and Lindsay to run this event with.”

Lindsey Brown, Active Campus Coordinator at UHI Perth said:

“It was an honour to host UHI Varsity at the UHI Perth campus, with 2026 being the biggest event to date. While the event brings heated rivalry across competitive sports, it also brings together our partnership in a unique way. Providing students with opportunities to excel outside the classroom and connect with other students is extremely rewarding, we can't wait to do it all again next year!”

Planning is already underway for next year’s Varsity, for what promises to be an even bigger event with students from all UHI campuses invited to take part.

For sponsorship opportunities or to support UHI sports teams, please get in touch.

^{*ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It refers to English language courses designed for non-native speakers living in the area to improve their language skills, build confidence, and integrate into the community. UHI Perth is the largest ESOL provider in Perth and Kinross.}