2023 - Dr Graham Hannaford

Dr Graham Hannaford, a retired civil servant, completed UHI’s MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands from his home in Australia in 2015. He then went on to complete a PhD with Federation University. He is the Honorary Secretary to the Sydney Society for Scottish History and was elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 2023. He lives in Canberra with his wife, has one son and two granddaughters.

Graham was nominated by Professor David Worthington, Head of UHI’s Centre for History. Professor Worthington explained:

“Graham was one of the first students on our MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands when it was launched in 2011. Then in his mid-60s, he studied entirely online from his home in Australia. He went on to complete the degree in 2015, achieving a range of distinction level marks. Since graduating, Graham has been a champion of the Centre for History, distributing leaflets and writing about our degrees in publications including clan society newsletters. He retains strong contacts with us and has visited us in Dornoch twice. We recommend him for this award because of this longstanding support and for assisting us with connections into Scottish diasporic community life in Australia.”

Alison Wilson, UHI’s Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, commented:

“Graham’s ongoing support for the Centre for History and work to connect UHI into the Scottish diasporic community is greatly valued and worthy of recognition. His achievements will inspire other students and alumni.”