Families, friends and professionals from the built environment industry gathered on May 27 and 28 to celebrate the achievements of the talented regional student finalists on Zoom.

Carol Nisbet, Women in Property Northern Scotland branch chairman and partner with CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, said: “The National Student Awards programme was established to seek out our top built environment students each year and raise awareness to the many amazing and diverse career opportunities offered across this industry. 

“The judging panels took place back in February and early March before lockdown hit and, after all their hard work, we didn’t want to let our regional finalists down by not holding an awards event.” 

Rachel Dunn, Central Scotland branch chairman and associate with law firm Dentons, added, “To maximise the virtual Awards events, we asked each of the ten finalists to submit a one-minute video showcasing themselves and their work, which we loaded onto YouTube.  We were able to show the videos on Zoom, together with speeches from our guests from Savills and Curtins, national and regional sponsors respectively.“

The 2020 winners are:

• Northern Scotland:

Freya Macleod studying Interior and Environmental Design at the University of Dundee. 

The judges described Freya as having a “mature, professional and engaging style, a realism and quiet dynamism. She was enthusiastic in an authentic way, she showed that she was an excellent role model and would be inspiring to others”.  

• Central Scotland:

Rhiannon Walters studying Architecture at the University of Edinburgh.

The judges described Rhiannon as “very engaging, utterly authentic, thoughtful, considerate and open minded, she always has a plan B”.

Also recognised were Sharlene Campbell, studying Architectural Technology at the University of Highlands and Islands,  Mary Griffiths, studying Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Aberdeen and Isobel Bowie, studying Civil Engineering at Glasgow University, all of whom were awarded Highly Commended.

The two winners receive a cheque for £500, a trophy and access to Women in Property’s acclaimed mentoring programme. They go through to the national Final which, subject to Government advice, will be held on 16th September at Claridge’s.