Media – WEST | Alumni Blog

Graduate Lands Weekend Breakfast Hosting Role on STV Radio

17Feb

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Graduate Lands Weekend Breakfast Hosting Role on STV Radio

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate is waking up the airwaves as the Weekend Breakfast Show host on the newly launched STV Radio. A seasoned radio presenter of over 20 years, Alan Edwards had previously decided to leave radio broadcasting behind focusing on his career as a Humanist Celebrant, before the opportunity to join the weekend presenter line up for STV radio came along. Alan said: “I am hugely privileged to have become a part of the brand new STV Radio, hosting Weekend Breakfast between 6am and 9am on Saturdays and Sundays.” “I left full time radio to focus on my career as a Humanist Wedding Celebrant,” continued Alan. “But out of the blue, this opportunity presented itself, and I simply couldn’t say no. Radio is in my blood. And this way, I can continue fo...

Graduate’s Unique Podcast Series Releases Its Final Season

9Jan

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Alumni Stories

Graduate’s Unique Podcast Series Releases Its Final Season

A sports podcast series by a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate will be releasing its final episodes this month, focusing on the Women’s game. Dr James Mahon, alumnus and former lecturer of journalism at UWS, has launched the fourth season of his acclaimed sports podcast Dr James's One Cap Wonders. This bespoke final series, features only female footballers, including ex England Assistant Manager Julie Hemsley and PSG star Ella Masar as well as the current captain of Sevilla and former Barcelona player Esther Sullastres. https://youtu.be/oO6_d_qDJ1Q?si=daZnHoOiFoSa6UF4 The podcast explores the careers of footballers who had extraordinary club careers across the world but were only capped once for their countries. With new episodes every Wednesday in January exp...

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...

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...

14Nov

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Profiles

Alumni Interview: ES David

In this interview we speak to alumnus and author E.S. David, who is releasing his debut novel - The Trials of Aqouril – a coming-of-age story that delivers heart and high stakes when a teen discovers hidden powers. When she is suddenly transported to the enthralling world of Aqouril, sixteen-year-old Erica discovers an extraordinary ability to control water - an ancient power that marks her for something far greater than she ever imagined. To master her gift and uncover the secrets of Aqouril, Erica must face a series of harrowing trials that test her courage, strain her friendships, and push her to her limits. Ewen David with his novel The Trials of Aqouril Ewen, 31, who hails from Lanarkshire and graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Careers Guidance at UWS, has a passion for...

New Book Inspired by Tam o’ Shanter Released by Alumnus

3Nov

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Alumni Stories

New Book Inspired by Tam o’ Shanter Released by Alumnus

A new version of a Scottish classic for the ears and eyes and hearts of today has been released by Carnegie-nominated author and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate Simon Lamb. Tam o' Shanter is one of the world's most famous poems. Written by Robert Burns in 1790, the narrative epic continues to enchant audiences the world over more than two hundred years after its composition. “Whereas the original poem was set mostly in Alloway where Burns grew up, my version is set in Prestwick where I grew up,” said Simon. “The book predominantly presents a long-form poem inspired by the narrative beats of the original, alongside an introduction to the original poem and poet, a glossary, and an author’s note in which I explore growing up on the west coast of Scotland and struggling...

Bestselling Authors Inspire UWS Audience

28Oct

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Honorary Graduates, News

Bestselling Authors Inspire UWS Audience

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Honorary Doctorate Masterclass has given students, staff and the public an insight into the world of historical fiction. Bestselling author Dr Marisa Haetzman delivered a masterclass at the University’s Paisley campus on Wednesday 15 October exploring her journey from medicine to literature. Dr Haetzman, who writes alongside her husband, crime author Chris Brookmyre, under the pseudonym Ambrose Parry, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by UWS in 2024 in recognition of her contributions to literature and the arts. Writing as Ambrose Parry, the pair have sold hundreds of thousands of books worldwide, with their award-winning Raven and Fisher series which captures the world of 19th-century Edinburgh, ...

First Solo Exhibition for Artist and Alumnus

24Oct

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Alumni Stories

First Solo Exhibition for Artist and Alumnus

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate is set to open his first major solo art exhibition in Ayrshire. Euan Tait, who graduated from UWS in July 2024 with a BA (Hons) Degree in New Media Art, is an emerging visual artist based in Irvine. His first major solo exhibition will feature a vibrant mix of analogue and digital prints, along with a selection of original paintings. “It’s a body of work I’m really proud of, and I can’t wait to share it,” commented Euan. He credits his time at UWS as helping him develop as an artist. “Studying at UWS was an incredibly rewarding experience,” he explained. “It served as a vital stepping stone in my journey as an artist, helping me grow both creatively and professionally. Euan Tait, BA (Hons) New Media Art 2024 “Developing my...

14Oct

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Alumni Stories

BAFTA Scholarship for UWS Graduate

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has been named among the UK’s most promising new filmmakers after securing one of only six BAFTA Scholarships awarded across the country this year. Daniel Kelly, who graduated from the BA (Hons) Filmmaking & Screen Writing programme in Ayr and returned to UWS to complete his MA in Filmmaking, will now receive financial support and mentoring and industry access through the prestigious BAFTA UK Scholarship Programme. The scheme is designed to break down financial barriers for emerging creatives and give them a direct pathway into the screen industries. The announcement was made at BAFTA’s London headquarters in Piccadilly, where the 2025 recipients of the UK Scholarship Programme and the Prince William BAFTA Bursary Fund were ...

12Sep

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Alumni Stories

From Radio Dreams to Podcast Reality

Jeicy Kivuyo is an MBA graduate from UWS who, alongside her career in tech, is the founder and host of Stories Next Door - a storytelling platform that shines a light on everyday people with extraordinary stories. Through engaging interviews, cinematic visuals and grassroots storytelling, the podcast explores themes of identity, resilience, culture, and community. We caught up with Jeicy to find out more. The Stories Next Door podcast is one year old this month. Can you tell us how the podcast came about? There’s an African proverb that says, ‘Little by little, the bird builds its nest.’ It means big goals are achieved through small, consistent efforts over time. That proverb sums up my journey with storytelling. I’ve always loved radio. I worked ...