Blues and Colours Awards Evening 2026

Awarded to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to University sport through leadership, service and impact during their time at Edinburgh.

Over the past four years at Edinburgh, Madeleine Bell has been a driving force behind the success, inclusivity and community spirit of both the Karate Club and wider Sports Union.

Serving in multiple roles, including President and Vice President of the Karate Club, alongside senior Sports Union Executive roles in Wellbeing and Inclusion, she consistently went beyond the expectations of every position.

Madeleine transformed the club’s social programme by reintroducing the martial arts ceilidh, and launching large-scale sellout events that strengthened relationships across societies, while also leading key initiatives in LGBTQ+ inclusion and accessibility.

Her leadership, organisation and dedication have left a lasting impact on the club and wider University community. 

Awarded to a student who has shown exceptional commitment and impact through officiating in university sport.

Over recent years, Ben Burton has established himself as one of the University’s leading officials, combining elite-level officiating with a strong commitment to developing the wider student sport environment.

Progressing through national and international appointment pathways, he earned promotion to the Scottish Hockey Performance Panel during the 2024/25 season, before advancing to the Scottish Men’s Premiership Panel the following year.

Ben’s standout achievements included officiating the Scotland vs England U21 international and European Club U20s championship, with performances leading to repeated international appointments.

Alongside his success on the pitch, Ben has played an important role in supporting and developing officiating within university sport through coordination, mentorship and leadership, helping strengthen opportunities for future student officials. 

Awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact through coaching within their club.

Caelan Milne has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and innovation, playing a transformative role in the success of the Swimming and Water Polo Club.

Following the departure of the club’s long-standing coach, Caelan stepped in as voluntary player-coach of the Men’s 1^st Water Polo team, balancing extensive coaching responsibilities alongside a demanding Mechanical Engineering degree and his own training commitments.

Under his leadership, the team matched its best BUCS finish in four seasons and became the first side since 2021/22 to take points from reigning champions Durham. Alongside coaching over 60 university swimmers, developing bespoke analysis software and supporting club operations as Treasurer, Caelan’s tireless work ethic and dedication have had a lasting impact across University Sport. 

Awarded to a coach who has demonstrated exceptional impact and leadership within student sport.

Since joining the University in 2014, Mat Trodden has established himself as one of the leading performance swimming coaches in the country, combining international expertise with a student-centred approach that consistently delivers success at the highest level.

A Commonwealth Games and World University Games coach, Mat has guided athletes to Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and European finals, while overseeing more than 30 senior national records across multiple nations.

This season, his leadership of the performance swimming programme produced an exceptional medal haul and numerous BUCS, Scottish, European and Para records across both Long and Short Course Championships.

Through his innovative coaching style and commitment to athlete development, Mat has created an environment where swimmers thrive on both the national and international stage. 

Awarded for the most inspirational sporting moment of the year.

Ali Hall’s sporting journey has been defined by exceptional commitment, elite performance, and an extraordinary ability to support others at the very highest level of competition.

Selected as a guide for para alpine skier Hester Poole at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, Ali competed in the Women’s Giant Slalom and Slalom events, where guide and athlete must race in complete synchronisation at high speed.

Following two years of intensive international competition across Europe, the pair secured qualification for the GBR Paralympic team through a series of outstanding results, including multiple victories at Austrian, Slovakian and Italian events.

Alongside representing Great Britain on the World Class Programme, Ali has continued to contribute to university Snowsports as Race Captain and as one of the country’s top student racers, demonstrating exceptional leadership, resilience and commitment to performance sport. 

Presented for longstanding service to University sport.

Over more than a decade of service to the Judo Club, Callum Maclennan has built a lasting legacy defined by leadership, inclusivity and an unwavering commitment to athlete development.

Beginning as a club member in 2012 before becoming a volunteer coach in 2014 and later Head Coach, Callum has played a central role in transforming the club into a welcoming and thriving community.

Under his guidance, participation has grown to record levels, with over 100 members and athletes competing confidently on the international stage. Callum’s supportive coaching style has empowered newcomers and experienced judoka alike, fostering a culture built on respect, teamwork and opportunity.

His dedication to inclusivity, particularly through the growth of the ‘JudoGirlsRock’ programme, has helped shape a club environment where every member feels valued and supported. 

Awarded to a student who has delivered outstanding sporting performances during their time at university.

Throughout his time at University, Adam Hamill has consistently demonstrated excellence at the highest level of performance, combining leadership, resilience and international success.

At the 2026 BUCS Championships, he secured double gold in Senior Team Kumite and Senior Kumite (~67kg), adding to previous BUCS titles in 2025 and 2024, earning a remarkable haul of BUCS points across three seasons.

Alongside domestic success, Adam has represented Scotland at U21 and Senior European and World Championships, becoming U21 European Champion and WKF Youth League Champion in 2025 while rising to 3^rd in the U21 world rankings.

As Karate Club Kumite Captain, Adam has balanced leadership responsibilities with competing at the highest international level. 

Over a distinguished 25-year career at the University of Edinburgh, Cameron Ritchie has made an immeasurable contribution to Sport & Active Health, shaping the operational excellence and culture that underpin the University’s sporting success.

Known universally as Cam, his progression through almost every operational role has given him a rare and comprehensive understanding of university sport, which he has applied with consistency, intelligence and quiet leadership. As Head of Operations and more recently, Depute Director, he has been instrumental in driving forward facility development, daily delivery, and long-term strategic improvements that benefit every student, athlete and staff member.

His leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic was particularly defining, providing calm, decisive, and compassionate direction at a time of unprecedented uncertainty. Cam ensured the safe and effective operation of facilities while maintaining team cohesion and supporting staff wellbeing, enabling Sport at Edinburgh to recover and rebuild stronger than before.

Often described as the “engine behind Edinburgh Sport”, Cam’s impact is felt in every aspect of the student experience, from world-class facilities to seamless day-to-day delivery. After 25 years of dedication, innovation and service, Cameron Ritchie is a truly deserving recipient of an Honorary Colour, with a legacy defined by excellence, humility and lasting impact.