GCU and Turner & Townsend win Herald Higher Education Award 2026
Glasgow Caledonian University's collaboration with Turner & Townsend was awarded the prestigious Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities prize at last night's Herald Higher Education Awards.
The award celebrates Turner & Townsend's generous support for our sector‑leading 150th Anniversary Scholarship Campaign, which was launched in response to a significant rise in scholarship applications from care‑experienced and estranged students.
Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson said: “We are deeply proud to receive this award, which reflects the power of genuine partnership. Turner & Townsend, like us, understand that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Their commitment to a diverse, highly skilled workforce, and their leadership as the first corporate partner in our campaign, means together we are opening doors for the next generation who will shape Scotland’s economy, infrastructure and communities.”
Peter McGettrick, Turner & Townsend's UK Operations Lead, said: “The 150th Anniversary Campaign is about investing in our future leaders who will end up transforming industry and society. This award recognises our shared commitment to creating opportunities that transform lives, as this campaign does exactly that.”
The newspaper said the “the radical scholarship model is clear evidence of how educational organisations are actively working to reach new audiences".
Alumni and Turner & Townsend's leaders, Dr Murray Rowden, Global Head of Infrastructure, and Peter have championed the campaign alongside the University’s Founding Donor, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE. Their leadership and advocacy were instrumental in designing the scholarship and mobilising wider support.
Turner & Townsend were the campaign’s first corporate partner, investing £82,500 to fund 10 multi‑year scholarships for students in our School of Science and Engineering and Glasgow School for Business and Society. Turner & Townsend's support also extends beyond funding, offering mentoring, employability workshops and access to professional networks.
Beneficiaries of the scholarships are already reporting increased confidence, reduced financial stress, and a sense of belonging. The University’s very first Anniversary Scholar described the support as “life‑changing” and “like having a parental figure, that’s willing you to succeed”.
Run by The Herald newspaper, the awards celebrate the extraordinary work being carried out in universities and colleges across Scotland and recognise outstanding students.
The University's Nayma Sheikh was a finalist in the awards' Outstanding Contribution from a University Student category. Magnusson Award winner Nayma, who is studying Accountancy, is one of the most exciting emerging talents in Scottish cricket and is helping other young women and girls to play the game.