December 2025 – WEST

Christmas Advert by UWS Graduate Goes Viral

18Dec

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Alumni Stories

Christmas Advert by UWS Graduate Goes Viral

A Christmas promotional video produced by a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate for a small independent gift shop in Dunoon has gone viral. The advert for shop Doon The Watter, that stocks work by local Crafters & Artists, was created and edited by Videographer Graeme McGill and has been viewed over 40,000 times by people from as far as Canada and Australia. Graeme who graduated with an MA in Creative Media Practice in 2024 said: “I’m over the moon with how well the advert has been received by the local community and that it’s brought a smile to so many faces.” The client wanted a video that showcased Dunoon and its Christmas spirit, whilst also ensuring the shop dog ‘Finn’ was the star of the show. Why can’t small businesses make Christmas commercials to a small...

Graduate Signs Deal with Leading Chillout Label

17Dec

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Alumni Stories

Graduate Signs Deal with Leading Chillout Label

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) alumnus has signed an ongoing deal with critically acclaimed music label Café del Mar. Joe Hume, a pianist and composer originally from Ayrshire, previously attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music at the age of 17 before going on to study in Paisley and graduate from the BSc Music Technology degree at UWS. His track Angelica features on the Café del Mar 45th Anniversary compilation album, celebrating 45 years of soundtracking sunsets in Ibiza. The album brings together a carefully curated selection of chilled-out tracks that reflect the spirit of the original sunset bar. “I'm really proud that one of my tracks is featured on this album,” said Joe. “As someone who’s been a fan of the brand since I was a kid - and who grew up listening...

Talking AI with Prof Mark Girolami Chief Scientist at the Turing Institute

10Dec

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Alumni Stories, Honorary Graduates

Talking AI with Prof Mark Girolami Chief Scientist at the Turing Institute

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Honorary Doctorate Masterclass has given students, staff and the public an insight into the work of the Alan Turing Institute and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Professor Mark Girolami, Chief Scientist at The Alan Turing Institute and UWS alumnus, delivered a masterclass at the University’s Paisley campus on Tuesday 9 December exploring the challenges related to the speed and unpredictability of AI developments. During the session, which attracted around 70 attendees, Mark spoke about his early career and taking an opportunity to undertake his PhD at University of Paisley (now UWS) after a ten-year career as a Chartered Engineer within IBM. He also spoke about his current work as Chief Scientist at The Alan Turing...

2Dec

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News

UWS Giving Day 2025

On the 27th and 28th November 2025, we held our annual UWS Giving Day, and we are delighted to share the results. Over the two days, 47 generous donors came together to raise £3,073 and thanks to the kindness of a match funding donor, every gift made during giving day was doubled which brings our grand total to £6,146! This incredible support will go towards two vital funds that make a real difference in the lives of UWS students. The Hardship Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges such as housing insecurity, delays in funding or lack of essentials. It ensures that students can stay in education and focus on their future, even during times of crisis. The Development Fund empowers students to lead innovative projects, access indu...