'Hard work and professionalism' of UHI director is recognised with top accolade
A top-class public relations accolade has been awarded to the director of corporate communications at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
Alison, from Kirkhill, has been named a Fellow from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) for her outstanding contributions to the public relations profession over the past 27 years.
She joined UHI in 2009 before taking on her current role last year and led on the launch of the partnership's new visual identity in March 2022 – including its new logo.
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She was also present when UHI achieved full university status in February 2011.
Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations are known to hold invaluable experience of public relations, communications and business practice, and are able to provide a unique insight into the profession and the issues facing communicators nationally.
Alison was nominated for a Fellowship by Jane Cumming, director at JMC Communications Scotland, who said: "Alison is a consummate public relations professional and has been an inspiration to those she has worked with and those she has mentored over the years.
"I thought she would make an excellent Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations and was delighted when she was successful in being recognised. Gaining a Fellowship is recognition of excellent practice and Alison richly deserves this accolade."
Vicki Nairn, interim principal and vice-chancellor of UHI, said: "On behalf of everyone at UHI, I would like to congratulate Alison on being named a Fellow of the institute. It's the highest accolade in the public relations industry and it's fantastic to see her continued hard work and professionalism recognised in this way."
CIPR Scotland co-chairman Scott Douglas said: "Alison's tireless commitment to the communications profession has rightly been recognised. This is the ultimate accolade from her peers and it says – loudly and clearly – that she is among the very best in the field.
"The Chartered Institute of Public Relations is about championing the huge benefits to businesses, organisations and wider society of effective communication. It is also about helping those new to their career to thrive and flourish. Achieving Fellow status is a mark of how Alison has given so much in those regards and I'd like to offer her huge congratulations on this milestone."
