Dundee Culture founder Andrew Batchelor crowned Dundonian of the Year 2026

Dundee Culture founder Andrew Batchelor has been crowned Dundonian of the Year at the 2026 DUSA President’s Awards.

The accolade, presented by Dundee University Students’ Association, recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the city and its communities.

Andrew, who founded Dundee Culture at the age of 12, has spent the past 12 years building the platform into one of Dundee’s most recognisable media brands. What began as a passion project has grown into an award-winning platform with more than 116,000 followers across social media and hundreds of millions of visits since launching in 2013.

The award comes just weeks after Andrew was recognised as a finalist at the Scottish Influencer Awards, making it two major accolades in a short space of time for the Dundee content creator and city champion.

Throughout the years, Dundee Culture has played a key role in highlighting positive stories from across the city, covering everything from major developments and cultural events to community initiatives, local businesses and visitor attractions. The platform has also worked alongside organisations including Mills Observatory, Dundee Museum of Transport, V&A Dundee and many others to help promote the city both locally and internationally.

“I love my city. I love my family, my friends who have supported me. I love my Dundee Culture family - all 116,000 of them. You are amazing! You make what I do possible! Each and every day! So honoured! Thank you DUSA!”

He added: “To receive this recognition from the students of the University of Dundee means a tremendous amount and is something I never expected.

“I’ve always championed Dundee and I’ve spent the last 12 years doing my best to showcase it, celebrate it and champion it through Dundee Culture.

“This award isn’t just for me. It belongs to everyone who has supported Dundee Culture over the years, shared a post, read an article, tipped me off about a story, partnered with the platform or simply believed in what we’re trying to achieve.”

Andrew also thanked Dundee University Students’ Association and the University of Dundee for the honour.

The award marks another milestone in Dundee Culture’s journey, which has grown from a social media page created by a local school pupil into one of the city’s most influential digital platforms. For Andrew, however, the recognition reflects the wider community that has helped shape Dundee Culture over the past 12 years.