Esther is top student

SHETLAND Arts’ marketing officer Esther Renwick has been named the University of the Highlands and Islands’ 2017 postgraduate student of the year for completing a PhD while also bringing up three young children.

The 40 year old from Stromfirth achieved her PhD in archaeology by studying part-time over a ten year period at Shetland College UHI.

Her thesis explores the most effective ways to present archaeological monuments to the public.

“I am so pleased to be recognised by the university. It has been a long journey but very worthwhile,” she said.

“The rural campuses and virtual learning environment enabled me to pursue my passion for presenting archaeology whilst also living in my dream location, working and raising a young family.

“My long suffering family also deserve a mention here, without their wholehearted support none of this would have been possible.”

Renwick was nominated for the award by her PhD supervisor, Dr Simon Clarke.

He said: “Esther started with us in 2007 and completed her thesis working around part-time employment and three small children, two of whom were born during her studies. I nominated her not for what she has achieved in her final year, but for a decade of application.

“Esther has presented her findings at national and international conferences and one of her early papers appears to have influenced English Heritage’s recent reorganisation of visitor access at Housesteads Fort on Hadrian’s Wall.

“Her academic studies are very much having a practical application in the real world.”

She is also a founding member Archaeology Shetland and has been an active participant in a self-support group for Shetland-based postgraduate research students.