UHI Institute for Northern Studies Student Awarded Prestigious Academic Prize

The UHI Institute for Northern Studies is pleased to announce that Hazel Gunn, a student pursuing a BA Hons in Culture and Heritage, has been awarded the Highland Society of London’s Dissertation Prize.

This honour is bestowed upon the student whose work, in the opinion of the judges, significantly contributes to the academic discussion on traditional Scottish culture and heritage.

Hazel’s dissertation was entitled ‘ The Gaelic Bagpiping Tradition: Did it Stay truer to its roots in Nova Scotia than in Scotland’ and included a section on the role and influence of the Highland Society of London.

The Highland Society of London is a charity dedicated to promoting and supporting the traditions and culture of Scotland’s Highlands. With over 200 years of history, the Society has an impressive track record of financing various charitable activities both in the Highlands and in London. This support has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of Highlanders, with a consistent focus on piping and education. In recent years, the Society has concentrated on supporting competitions for individuals who excel in traditional pursuits of the Highlands and Islands, aiming to share these traditions with a broader audience in Scotland and beyond.

Lynn Campbell, Programme Leader for BA(Hons) Culture and Heritage, commented:

“I am delighted that Hazel has been awarded this prestigious prize from the Highland Society of London. Hazel obtained top marks in all her work on the UHI Institute for Northern Studies BA Honours in Culture and Heritage course and richly deserves this award from the society.”