The awards were presented in a glittering ceremony held in Radisson Blu Hotel on Thursday 1 June. This is the eighth year that the Awards have taken place celebrating the leading figures and rising stars in Scottish higher education. The college were also shortlisted in two other categories for the Partnership Award and the Health and Wellbeing category.

Kyle was nominated for his extracurricular activity at the College where he has embedded himself within the wider college community, acting as an advocate for transgender and gender non-conforming issues. As a trans man, Kyle has been able to speak knowledgeably on the challenges trans staff and students face and offer up solutions. He is in a unique position as a full time student at the College completing his Modern Apprenticeship but also working as a staff member in the role of Science Technician so he is exceptionally placed to comment and influence the experience of trans people in our college community. 

Kyle said,

“I have always fought hard for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and as a queer trans man, the rights and inclusivity of the trans community is extremely important to me and very personal. In the light of recent developments across the UK surrounding trans rights and their access to facilities and care, it is even more crucial I continue my work fighting for more inclusivity within education.”

Paul Ferguson, Operational Development Manager who leads on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at West College Scotland said, “Kyle winning this top award is testament to his resilience, perseverance and commitment to furthering trans inclusivity at West College Scotland. We are so proud that his work is making us a more inclusive college for transgender and gender non-conforming staff and students.”