The 2026 Scottish Student Sport Awards took place on Wednesday evening with staff, students and volunteers from across the sector celebrated.
Held at Hotel du Vin in St. Andrews, the awards presented recognised the standout athletes, coaches clubs and teams from this season, alongside volunteers and staff members who have made a significant contribution to student sport in Scotland.
The first batch of photos for the evening are available here and are free to use for wider publication. Please credit Tymofii Donets/SSS.
And the winners are…
Coach of the Year: Scott MacAulay (University of Stirling, Tennis)
Also shortlisted: Rachel Cremin (University of Strathclyde, Netball), Mat Trodden (University of Edinburgh, Swimming)
It’s been an unprecedented year of success for University of Stirling Tennis under Scott.
This year the Men’s 1’s claimed a historic ‘quadruple crown’, holding all four BUCS 25/26 titles simultaneously – being named Individual, Doubles, League and National Champions.
Across the club, the Women’s 2’s claimed promotion to BUCS Premier North, and sides claimed medals in the Women’s National Championship, Men’s National Vase and Men’s National Trophy. Individually, Scott guided Anna McBride to a double sweep at the Australian Open Intellectual Disability Championships.
Club of the Year: University of Aberdeen Weightlifting Club
Also shortlisted: University of Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Club, University of St. Andrews Tennis Club
AUSA’s 2026 Club of the Year have grown rapidly in recent years, with a 300% increase in female participation and stronger emphasis on retention of beginners into competitive and recreational pathways.
These clear pathways have ensured athletes at every level are supported, with additional opportunities for female-only and beginner sessions while performance athletes have enjoyed plenty of success at Scottish and British student championships.
Aiming to widen participation, the club regularly collaborate with other clubs to support their S&C offering, breaking down barriers between sports. Active community links too are providing opportunities for members with discounts, seminars and mentorship.
Team of the Year: University of Stirling Tennis Men’s 1’s
Also shortlisted: University of Edinburgh Hockey Men’s 1’s, University of Glasgow Lacrosse Men’s 1’s, West College Scotland Football Men’s 1’s
It’s been a historic season for Stirling Men’s Tennis. The squad completed a clean sweep of all four national BUCS titles – Individual Championship, Doubles Championship, National League, and National Championship – finishing their league campaign undefeated as defending champions.
Beyond the team results, individual scholars have been making their mark. Nemanja Malesevic claimed the Scottish Indoor title and ITF M25 Nottingham Doubles. Liam Hignett earned his first ATP singles ranking and reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 369. Cameron Fryer, Kyle McKay and Rob Cowley added further titles and enjoyed deep runs across British and international tour events.
Male Athlete of the Year: Neil Simpson (University of Aberdeen, Snowsports)
Also shortlisted: Barney Stewart (Heriot-Watt University, Football), Judd Sundelson (University of St. Andrews, Golf)
Skier Neil, competing alongside guide Rob Poth, made his name by winning Silver in the Alpine Men’s Super-Combined at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics – Team GB’s first medal of the event. The result built on his bronze in the same event at Beijing 2022.
Later in the games, Neil highlighted his world-class credentials, recording fourth place finishes in the Super-G and Downhill events; the latter competing alongside guide and brother Andrew Simpson.
Female Athlete of the Year: Angharad Evans (University of Stirling, Swimming)
Also shortlisted: Megan Keith (University of Edinburgh, Athletics), Toni Shaw (University of Aberdeen, Swimming)
Our 24/25 Female Athlete of the Year, Angharad has enjoyed another exceptional year in the pool.
At the 2026 British Aquatics Championships she broke the British 200m Breaststroke record, becoming the first female British swimmer to break the 2:20 milestone. In University of Stirling colours she won three gold medals at the BUCS Long Course Championships.
At international level she won her first major medal with silver at the European Short Course Championships and has secured selection for Team Scotland at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Volunteer of the Year: Finlay MacCallum (Robert Gordon University, Climbing)
Also shortlisted: Madeleine Bell (University of Edinburgh, Karate), Sibylle Reboul (University of St. Andrews, Rugby), Ethan Thomson (North East Scotland College)
Balancing his final year of Paramedicine with the RGU Climbing presidency, Finlay helped deliver the club’s most successful year – earning RGU Club of the Year and his own RGU Volunteer of the Year award.
He secured £2,000 in equipment funding, grew membership by 35%, and shifted the club’s identity toward an outdoor-focused programme.
Dr Rob Macpherson Award: Becca Brooks (Scottish Student Trampoline)
Over six years as a volunteer in student sport, Becca has held multiple leadership roles from her trampoline club, through to becoming Scottish Student Trampoline Comms Officer, Treasurer, and for the last two years, Chair.
They have played a key role in driving inclusivity and participation, creating an environment that supports competitive opportunities for students of all abilities.
Becca has massively contributed to running some of our biggest events, including the Scottish Student Trampoline Open, engaging over 2,700 students during their tenure.
SSS Special Recognition Award: Katherine Duncan (University of Edinburgh)
Katherine originally took on the role of SSS Grampian Chair way back in 2018 before stepping up to the Development Committee Chair role in 2021/2022. Her contribution since has been nothing short of extraordinary – Katherine has been in role for long enough that she’s on her fourth Head of Development!
The past 12 months have been challenging in a variety of ways in the Development space and Katherine has been a rock throughout. Not only has she ensured the work of SSS Development continues to represent its members and their ongoing needs but also brings to the forefront a care for SSS staff. Always prepared, always thoughtful and always keen to bring things forward, KC has been an ever present in all areas that being Development Committee Chair brings whether it be Exec, Management Group and particularly with her passion and focus for all things Development.
Honorary President’s Medal: Cameron Ritchie (University of Edinburgh)
2026 marks 25 years of exceptional service to Sport and Active Health at the University of Edinburgh for Cameron. Often working behind the scenes, in his last decade as Head of Operation he oversaw a raft of major facility upgrades, making Edinburgh one of the UK’s top Scottish sports institutions.
In particular, his leadership during Covid stands out in what was a challenging time for the team and the sector due to the demands on operational safety. Cameron provided calm, structured, and forward-thinking guidance during this time.
Cameron has always embodied the values of dedication, innovation and integrity that make him truly deserving of the Honorary President’s Medal.
Honorary President’s Medal: Paul McPate (University of Dundee)
For over four decades, Paul has played a defining role shaping opportunities for sports participation and development at the University of Dundee, and across the SSS Network, demonstrating commitment extending beyond his professional role.
As Co-Director, Sport and Active Health at the University of Dundee, Paul has been pivotal at shaping an inclusive, student-centred sporting environment that has allowed tens of thousands of students to engage and flourish in sport.
At national level he has made numerous contributions across roles with BUCS Scottish Volleyball and SSS – including holding the role of Women’s Volleyball Chair since 1991.
Paul retired last month, leaving a legacy of impact for generations of students and colleagues, and the wider sporting landscape, that will be carried on long into the future.
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