Fort college duo win sporting blues
Two Lochaber sportswomen have been awarded sporting blues this year by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA).
Blues are used to highlight the outstanding sporting achievement of UHI students and these prestigious awards are presented to sportsmen and women who attain an exceptionally high standard of performance in their sport.
Fort William Shinty Club player Shannon Wilson has received the highest honour, a full blue, in recognition of her contribution to the game. Shannon has been capped for Scotland senior side and was also named Fort William Shinty Club’s senior players’ player of the year for last season.
Lochaber mountain biker Louise Anna Ferguson was also recognised at the HISA awards with a half blue for her contribution to her sport in the area. Louise Anna competes nationally in the Scottish Downhill Association downhill series and made an appearance at the Fort William UCI World Cup 4x event.
Both Shannon and Louise are students at the West Highland Collge UHI campus in Fort William.
Sporting blues have been used in universities to recognise sporting excellence since the 1800s, with the UHI sporting blues awards scheme launched last year to recognise the sporting achievements of its regional students. The awards scheme is a joint initiative between the University and the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association, with the blues being awarded at graduation ceremonies to our winners.