THE judges of this year's Herald Higher Education Awards have been overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of entries received.
But they have whittled down more than 100 entries to a list of finalists for the awards which are run in association with the Scottish Funding Council.
Now in their fourth year, the awards were launched to recognise the outstanding performance of colleges and universities.
There are finalists in 15 categories and the event is supported by Anderson Strathern, Dixon Walter, the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), City of Glasgow College, technology provider Jisc, and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Scotland (QAA)
Chairman of the judging panel and Executive Editor of The Herald, Barclay McBain said: "My fellow judges and I were greatly impressed not only by the quantity of submissions totalling some 850 pages but also by the quality.
"It is heartening to learn about the sterling work being undertaken in Scotland in higher education in that sector and in further education. The submissions and the short list bear testimony to the work by and for students, the endeavour and initiative of academic staff and the contribution higher education makes to communities across the country and the economy generally."
Ailsa Crum of Head of Quality & Enhancement, QAA Scotland said: "This is a lovely chance to recognise the inspirational work by staff and students in our universities and colleges."
Monica Langa, an awards judge and executive search consultant at Dixon Walter said: "I very much enjoyed the judging process and gaining an insight into the amazing work and initiatives being undertaken by Scotland’s Colleges and Universities."
Jason Miles-Campbell, judge and head of Jisc Scotland and Northern Ireland said “The selected finalists represent a wave of innovation in Scottish higher education and we look forward to finding the deserving winner of the Jisc award for Innovative use of technology in this year’s Herald Higher Education Awards.”
Alistair McKay, Regional Manager at SQA said: "The quality of the entries for the 2018 Herald Higher Education Awards has been impressive, making the judging very difficult. We have read about some great work in Scotland's colleges and universities, the high standard of education being offered, the level of learning that is produced, how they engage with employers and support their students.
"I'd like to add my thanks to all those who submitted entries and congratulate those who have been short-listed as finalists for the awards ceremony in June."
And Roy Gardner, Executive Director, Corporate Development and Innovation, City of Glasgow College, added: “Yet again the standard of entries for the Education Awards has been exceptional and is testament to the high quality of work which continuously goes on across the sector. City of Glasgow College is very proud to be associated with these Awards."
The awards take place on Thursday, June 28 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. To book tickets for the awards please contact Kerry Medford, event manager, on 0141 302 7319.
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