The Glasgow University Union (GUU) was awarded the title of Student Union of the Year at an awards ceremony, held in Manchester.

The GUU fought off competition from three other finalists: the universities of Manchester, Kent and Birmingham to retain the title for the second year in a row.

President of the GUU, David Lockhart, and Honarary Secretary, Gavin Tulloch, attended the Club Mirror Awards ceremony, which was hosted by the BBC’s Chris Hollins.

The awards are based on a number of criteria including membership engagement, quality of services, and commitment to wider university clubs and societies.

GUUDavid Lockhart said: “Everyone at the Glasgow University Union is absolutely thrilled to retain their Student Union of the Year title. It's fantastic to have the acknowledgement that our elected, full-time students are doing such great work by providing our members with a variety of services and opportunities. Hopefully this award signals an even brighter future for the Union.”

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “Congratulations to everyone at the Glasgow University Union on winning the Student Union of the Year Award. As a University we’re very proud of all that our student unions and associations contribute to the student experience and this fantastic achievement by GUU, its board and students, is  further testament to that excellent work .”

University Rector, the Rt Hon Charles Kennedy MP, said: "To win for the second year running is a quite tremendous achievement. Winning awards such as this shows why the University of Glasgow is consistently ranked so highly in terms of student satisfaction. May I offer my congratulations to all involved at the Glasgow University Union."


On 12 November 2012, Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP) lodged a new motion in Scottish Parliament on Glasgow University Union:

S4M-04781 Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP): Student Union of the Year - That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow University Union, formed in 1885, which it believes is one of the largest and oldest student unions in the UK, on winning the Student Union of the Year award for the second year running; understands that this prize, awarded by Club Mirror, a magazine serving the UK’s licensed clubs for over 40 years, looks at student services, engagement with university clubs and societies, profitability and social facilities; commends the commitment and dedication of Glasgow University Union’s staff and students for making student life a unique experience by organising social events, catering and entertainment for their members, and hopes that future generations of students and alumni will continue to enjoy the numerous facilities and services offered by the union during their time at the University of Glasgow.

First published: 12 November 2012