Gordon’s enterprises earn him student of the year title

A former general manager in the motor industry has become the Inverness College UHI student of the year for his achievements since taking up full-time studies for a business and management degree.

“Avid learner” Gordon McIntosh from Carrbridge has just completed his degree and is now planning to build his academic achievements with a postgraduate course in renewable energies.

Winning the college award – placing him in the running for the overall UHI student of the year title – is Gordon’s second major achievement in 12 months. He is also the Scottish Institute for Enterprise institutional intern of the year for his work to promote enterprise learning.

Gordon said: “With the support of my wife and daughter, the exceptional academic staff within the UHI business department, plus Carol Langston at the college’s CREATE enterprise and innovation centre, I have been able to convert an ambition of obtaining a degree into reality. I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Inverness College UHI student of the year award. Studying every evening and at weekends has suddenly paid off.”

His lecturer, Sandra Chache, said Gordon had achieved consistently high grades in his work and was very generous with his time to help his student peers who found him an approachable and willing mentor. He was an avid learner and a credit to himself and the college; well respected by staff and students alike, she added.

Bob Stradling, head of the school of business and creative industries at Inverness College UHI, said: “Gordon is an outstanding student who thoroughly deserves this accolade. He is a mature student with a family and has achieved an average mark of over 80 per cent during his three years of study. He is a remarkable person and this is another remarkable achievement for him.”

Gordon, formerly with the motor company Macrae & Dick, added: “As a mature student I count myself very lucky to have been given an opportunity to return to education after a number of years in business. Before joining Macrae & Dick, I started and ran my own business. Both positions have provided me with valuable learning and knowledge which helped me to complete my course.

“For me, an interesting element about taking my degree with UHI was that students from differing faculties were able to undertake some interconnected modules. I found this to be a valued learning exercise, plus a great opportunity to meet a cross-section of students with many varied experiences.” 

He wins £100 as the Inverness student of the year and could double his money if he takes the overall UHI title from candidates across the network of colleges, research and learning centres in the Highlands and Islands. The result is due to be announced in August. At the college graduation ceremony in September, Gordon will also receive a £150 cheque sponsored by gowns supplier Ede & Ravenscroft to honour his achievements.