A University of the West of Scotland former student has rounded off an incredible year of achievement by switching on the Christmas lights in his hometown of Hamilton.
Alumnus Stephen McGuire told the Daily Record: “What an honour! It’s something I always went to, and it’s a great event. To be asked to go and turn on the lights, is incredible. It’s always busy, my friends and family will all be there, and it will be such a great occasion.
“I lived in Hamilton all my days, it means a lot to me, and it’s great that I can come back with a gold medal and share it with everybody.”

Stephen who studied at Bell College (now UWS Lanarkshire Campus) won a Paralympic gold medal in individual boccia in Paris in the summer.
Read more: Alumnus Wins Paralympic Gold in Individual Boccia
Since then, Stephen has rubbed shoulders with royalty, meeting King Charles III and receiving the Eric Liddell Award from the Princess Royal before going on to be named Glasgow Disabled Athlete of the Year and Para Male Athlete of the Year award at The Scottish Sports Awards 2024 in December.

