Michelle McManus awarded NCL Fellowship

New College Lanarkshire today awarded a Fellowship to Michelle McManus for her services to the Creative Industries and Charity at their Motherwell Campus.

The Fellowship, the College’s highest honour, is awarded to individuals whose achievements have made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of people in Lanarkshire and beyond.

The singer and broadcaster, who attended St Ambrose High School in Coatbridge, said: “I will never forget today. Lanarkshire is a huge part of my life — it’s who I am. I am so honoured to be associated with you!”

She said: “My first interactions with New College Lanarkshire were when I was asked to get involved in the Pamper Days for survivors of violence against women and girls. And when I came down, I couldn’t believe what you guys were doing here. These were women that were going through the most unimaginable circumstances, and they were being supported and cherished by the staff and students here. It was amazing.”

After winning Pop Idol, Michelle reinvented herself as one of Scotland’s most recognisable and best-loved broadcasters, co-presenting STV’s The Hour, hosting BBC Radio Scotland’s The Afternoon Show, performing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, appearing in theatre productions including the Vagina Monologues and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and most recently producing and starring in a BBC documentary in which she performed for Pope Leo XIV.

Professor Christopher Moore, Principal of New College Lanarkshire, said he had been very struck when Michelle visited the Pamper Day events that “she wasn’t about getting any plaudits. It was about the love you could share with those who needed it.

“In communities such as ours that has had a lot of change, a lot of challenge, having optimism is so significant. And you absolutely bring that optimism to everything you do and I am delighted that we are recognising that here today.”

The Fellowship was presented at a ceremony at the College’s Motherwell Campus today. McManus joins a distinguished list of previous recipients recognised for their contributions to the arts, public life, business, and community service in Lanarkshire, including Elaine C Smith and Professor Margo Whiteford, who were both in attendance.