New College Lanarkshire give Michelle McManus fellowship

Pop Idol winner and broadcaster Michelle McManus received a fellowship from New College Lanarkshire at a ceremony held at the college’s Motherwell campus.

The fellowship is the college’s highest honour and recognises individuals who have made a lasting impact on the lives of people in Lanarkshire and beyond.

Michelle McManus 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."

"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."

Born in Baillieston, Ms McManus has become one of Scotland’s best-loved broadcasters since her rise to fame in 2003.

Her career highlights include co-presenting STV’s The Hour, hosting BBC Radio Scotland’s The Afternoon Show, performing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and appearing in theatre productions such as The Vagina Monologues.

Professor Christopher Moore, principal of New College Lanarkshire, said Ms McManus left a lasting impression during her visit to the Pamper Day events.

He said: "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.”