A FORMER Ross High School pupil has been crowned one of the first two winners of an award in memory of a man who reached the top of the British music industry.
Hannah Campbell received the John Preston Music Award and a prize of £500 in recognition of her achievements.
The 22-year-old was the recipient of the music business award and graduated last year from the University of the Highlands and Islands with a first-class BA (hons) music business degree, while fellow winner Scott Rough was awarded the international music award and is in the final year of his studies.
Hannah, who grew up in Tranent and now lives in Leith, said: “My time at the University of the Highlands and Islands not only provided me with professionally relevant skills and knowledge but allowed me to develop a stronger sense of self throughout my studies.
“I have left university with not only an understanding of the music industry but also knowing my priority is making positive change within the creative industries.
“Awards such as the John Preston music business award gives young creatives the opportunity to invest in their own future and make change.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the gesture from Mr Preston’s family and the university.”
Since leaving university, Hannah has started working in social media and marketing with the Academy of Music and Sound Scotland.
She also co-founded Queens of Noise, which runs female-centric conferences and gigs, in 2019.
Andrew Dyce, BA (hons) music business programme leader, said: “Despite completing her final year during Covid-19, Hannah excelled in her time at university – not only managing projects successfully but with a commendably ethical business approach towards musicians.
“We are very proud of our students and thank John’s family for supporting them in their next steps. We look forward to seeing their careers in the music business continue to grow in the coming years.”
The John Preston Memorial Fund is a five-year programme managed by Highlands-based charity The Liam Colgan Music Fund on behalf of John’s widow Roz Preston, in association with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Iain Clark, chairman of the Liam Colgan Music Fund, said: “John rose to the very top of the UK music industry, as chairman of BMG as well as the British Phonographic Industry, the trade body for the UK music industry.
“John spent much of his career finding and supporting emerging talent, whether they were artists or young business executives.
“He would have been thrilled and excited by the talents and ambitions displayed by Scott and Hannah so early in their careers.”
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