Lesley Sinclair graduated from the University of Stirling with a Bachelor of Nursing with merit. Lesley is working in Caithness with the mental health team and is the grand-daughter of Billy and Janette Johns and the late Sandy and Sheila Sinclair.

Marc Sutherland graduated from Aberdeen College with an HND in Visual Communication. Marc, a former pupil of Hillhead Primary and Wick High, is the youngest son of Ian and Jacqueline.

David Sutherland graduated from the University of Strathclyde with an MBA (with distinction). David, formerly of Halkirk, worked with Rolls-Royce Ltd before moving earlier this year to Aberdeen.

Daniel Taylor graduated from Preston University BA (Hons) in Games Design. He is the grandson of Rona Taylor, Loch Street, Wick.

Deborah Sinclair, a former pupil of Pulteneytown Academy and Peterhead Academy, graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with a postgraduate diploma in Occupational Therapy. Deborah, the granddaughter of James and Marie Sinclair, Northcote Street, and Wallace and Anne Cowie, Argyle Square, Wick, has taken up a post as an occupational therapist in Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen.

Lynn Smith, youngest daughter of Garry and Evelyn Smith, Strathmore Court, Thurso, graduated from The Robert Gordon University with a BSc in Forensic Science. Lynn now lives and works in Aberdeen.

Lorna Sutton graduated from the University of Aberdeen MA (Hons) in Hispanic Studies and Sociology. Lorna is the daughter of John Sutton and Wilma Toye, and is a former pupil of Wick High School.

Catherine Robertson has graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BA (hons) degree in Psychology (2:1). Catherine is the younger daughter of Douglas and Janice Robertson, of Gillock Park, Thurso, and is a former pupil of Miller Academy and Thurso High School.

Lynsey Taylor has graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with a PGDE in Biology with Science. Lynsey, of Pennyland House, Thurso, also has a BSc in Genetics from the University of Glasgow and will start her probationary teaching year at Thurso High School this month.

Caroline Steele, daughter of David and Margaret Steele, of Dunnet, graduated with distinction with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from the University of Edinburgh. A former pupil of Castletown Primary School and Thurso High, Caroline previously graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Sociology and worked for several years for a software firm in Edinburgh before moving to a career in teaching. She will be taking up a post in Musselburgh this month.

Adele Sutherland, a former pupil of Wick North Primary School and Wick High, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BSc (Hons) degree in Chemistry (2:1). She is going on to the University of Strathclyde to study for a master's degree in Forensic Science.

Hannah Steven graduated from the University of Dundee with a BSc (Hon) degree in Biology (upper second class). Hannah is the youngest daughter of Sue Steven and the late William Steven, of Mulberry Croft, Berriedale, and is a former pupil of Dunbeath Primary School and Wick High.

Dr Elaine Sinclair graduated from the University of Toronto, Canada, with a Bachelor of Education. Elaine completed her BSc in Biomedical Science and PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Aberdeen before undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship at the Banting and Best Diabetes Centre, University of Toronto. Elaine is the only daughter of Willie and Margaret Sinclair, Lhaid, Watten.

Jon Taylor, grandson of Rona Taylor, Wick, graduated at the Robert Gordon University with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honours in Politics and Management.

Andrew Sutton, of Torastan, Kirkibol, Tongue, graduated from Strathclyde and Glasgow universities with a BSc in Nautical Science. He has now qualified as officer of the watch and will shortly join the MV Nedlloyd Drake as third officer navigating. Andrew is a former pupil of Tongue Primary School and Farr High School.

Ryan Shand graduated from the University of Glasgow with a PhD in Theatre, Film and Television Studies. Ryan, a former pupil of Wick North Primary School and Wick High, is the son of Ian and Maureen Shand, Girnigoe Street, Wick.

Sarah Smythe, daughter of Murray and Moira Smythe, Lybster, graduated from Queen Margaret University with a BSc (Hons) 2:1 in Occupational Therapy. A former pupil of Lybster Primary School and Wick High, Sarah is currently employed within NHS Borders.

Stephen Ruddick graduated from Napier University in Edinburgh with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and is now working as a cost consultant for Cyril Sweett Ltd in Edinburgh. Stephen, a former pupil of Wick South Primary School and Wick High, is the son of Bob and Lyn Ruddick, formerly of Papigoe.

Charlene Rapson graduated from Inverness College UHI with an HNC in Early Education and Child Care. Charlene, a former pupil of Dunbeath Primary School and Wick High, stays in Helmsdale, although she previously lived in Berriedale.

Mary Richard, of Lindsay Drive, Wick, graduated from Napier University, Edinburgh, with a BSc in Cancer and Palliative Care (with distinction). She is the daughter of John and Mary Gove, wife of Alister, and mother of Jan, Greg and Tom.

Fiona Sutherland graduated from the North Highland College UHI with a BA in Child and Youth Studies. Fiona, a former pupil of Wick High School, is the eldest daughter of Barbara and David More. She lives in Wick with her husband Graham and son and two daughters.

Lee Rainford graduated from North Highland College UHI with an HND in Electronic Engineering. Lee works as an instrument mechanic with UKAEA at Dounreay. He has started a degree in Electronic Engineering at North Highland College UHI on day release.

Laura Stormont graduated from the University of St Andrews with an honours degree in International Relations. She is the granddaughter of May and the late Tom Scott, of Pentland Court, Granville Street, Thurso.

Andrew Skea graduated from the University of Glasgow with the degree of Master of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Electrical Engineering. Andrew is a former pupil of Miller Academy and Thurso High School.

Hayley Stewart, of Bishop's Drive, Thurso, daughter of Ian and Lynn Stewart, graduated from Napier University, Edinburgh, with a BA (Hons) (2:1) in Communication, Advertising and Public Relations. She is the granddaughter of Catherine and the late Euen Stewart, Glengolly, and Agnes and the late Robert Porteous, Edinburgh. Hayley is a former pupil of Reay Primary School and Thurso High. She is currently working in Napier University's marketing and communication department.

Stephanie Sinclair graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a DipHE (Adult Nursing). Stephanie was educated at Mount Pleasant Primary School and Thurso High and is currently working as a staff nurse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. She has been accepted by Queensland Health, Australia, and will be joining the nursing team there at the end of the year. Stephanie is the youngest daughter of Andrea and Billy, Ormlie Drive, Thurso.

Jen Thoms, daughter of Ewan and Clare Thoms, Halkirk, has graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with a BSc (Hons) in Dietetics. Jen is a former pupil of Halkirk primary and Thurso High School.

Jill Rosie, a former pupil of Miller Academy and Thurso High School, has graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a BA (Hons) (2:1) in History. Jill is the elder daughter of James and Carol Rosie, of Brilon Court, Thurso, and the granddaughter of Barbara Macivor, Ivordene, Janetstown, and Evelyn Rosie, Thorsdale View, Thurso.

Michelle Sinclair, the younger daughter of Edwin and Bettine Sinclair, Thurso, has graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with a BA (Hons) (second-class) in Tourism Management.

Gayle Rennie graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BEd (Hons) (first-class) in Primary Education. Gayle is the only daughter of Pat and Mike Rennie and is a former pupil of Pennyland Primary School and Thurso High. She will take up a teaching post in Miller Academy, Thurso, this month.

Katie Stewart, the daughter of Bill and Irene Stewart, of Castle Street, Thurso, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BEd (Hons) (2:1) in Primary Education. Katie, a former pupil of Pennyland Primary School and Thurso High, will take up a teaching post in Aberdeen this month.

Kimberley Stewart graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BEd (Hons) (2:1) in Primary Education. Kimberley is the eldest daughter of Colin Stewart and Antoinette Harman (née Freeman). She will begin teaching in Kemnay, Aberdeenshire, this month.

Zara Sinclair graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with a BSc (Hons) (2:1) in Dietetics. Zara, the daughter of Sanders and Janice Sinclair, Howburn Road, Thurso, is a former pupil of Miller Academy and Thurso High.

Anne Christina Swanson, from Watten, a student on the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture course at SAC’s Aberdeen campus, was awarded the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland Medal and the SAC Trust Prize for the best student on the course. Anne, who gained the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with second-class honours – upper division, was presented with her prize at the SAC graduation ceremony at Bute Hall, University of Glasgow.

Karin Margaret Thain, granddaughter of the late Robert and Margaret Mackay, Roster, Lybster, graduated from the University of Teesside with a BA in Computer Animation. A former pupil of Culloden Academy and Balloch Primary, Inverness, Karin previously worked as a graphic designer with North of Scotland Newspapers in Wick.

John Ruddick, formerly of the Royal Navy, graduated from Napier University with a BSc (Hons) in Construction and Project Management. He is now working as a project manager for E.C. Harris in London. John is a former pupil of Wick South Primary School and Wick High School. He is the son of Bob and Lyn Ruddick, formerly of Papigoe.

Michael Ruddick graduated from Napier University with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. He is now working for Davis Langdon in London. Michael is a former pupil of Wick South Primary School and Wick High School. He is the son of Bob and Lyn Ruddick, formerly of Papigoe.

Anna Sinclair, of Stirkoke, Wick, graduated from Heriot-Watt University with a first-class master's degree in Civil Engineering with International Studies. Anna is a former pupil of Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School.

Susan Robertson, daughter of Robert and Roselyn Robertson, of Girnigoe Street, Wick, has graduated from the University of Stirling with a BSc in Adult Nursing. Susan is a former pupil of Wick South Primary School and Wick High.

Jonathan Robson graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BA (Hons) in Transport Design. Jonathan is a former pupil of Halkirk Primary School and Thurso High.

Anne Temple graduated MSc in Adult Guidance from the University of Strathclyde. Anne and Anne, of Breadalbane Terrace, Wick, is project co-ordinator of the Wick TAG unit where training and guidance is provided for unemployed adults with mental health issues and is also training co-ordinator of TAG Highland.

Ruth Marie Swan, a former pupil of Thurso High School, graduated with an HNC in Business Administration and IT Studies at North Highland College UHI in Thurso. Ruth has now taken up a position with Highland Law Practice in Wick.

Steven Shanks, son of Aileen and Douglas Shanks, Thurso, graduated from Strathclyde University with a First Class Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. Having first been an apprentice, he went on to be elected a Whitworth Scholar by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Steven intends to complete his training to be a chartered engineer and is embarking on an international career with the oil industry, based in Aberdeen.

Richard Shanks, son of Aileen and Douglas Shanks, Thurso, graduated from Strathclyde University with a First Class Masters degree in Physics and was awarded the John Muir prize for the top student in his subject. Richard plans to continue in research and has been accepted on a PhD course at Strathclyde University.

James Smith has graduated from Lancaster University with a BA (Hons) in History. James is the son of Alan and Jill Smith, Kent, and grandson of Jean and the late James Smith, of Harald Drive, Thurso.

Anita Sutherland has graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a bachelor of Nursing (Children’s) degree. Anita is the daughter of Elizabeth and the late Jim Sutherland, of Bardnaclavan Place, Janetstown, and is a former pupil of Pennyland Primary and Thurso High.

William John Sutherland, son of David and Gloria Rafferty, has graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, with an honours degree in Information Technology.

Lynsey Reid has graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Galashiels, with a 2/1 BSc (Hons) in Texile and Fashion Design Management. Lynsey is a former pupil of Hillhead Primary School and Wick High.

Susan Sutherland has graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Bachelor of Divinity degree (Hons) and is presently employed as a chaplain at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. Susan is the eldest daughter of George and Zena McKain, Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso.

Lucinda Ann Sutherland has graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a second-class BSc honours degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Lucinda is a former pupil of Reay Primary School and Thurso High. She is the only daughter of Jim and Ann Sutherland and granddaughter of Jessie Mackay.

Jennifer Sutherland, daughter of Christopher and Alison Sutherland, Clashach, Westfield, graduated MA (Honours) in Management from the University of St Andrews. Jennifer is a former pupil of Lieurary Primary School and Thurso High.

Claire Sutherland, a former pupil of Keiss Primary School and Wick High, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a second-class honours degree in Primary Education. Claire is to take up a probationary post at Halkirk Primary.

Lynn Shand (23), of Girnigoe Street, Wick, graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, BA (Hons) in Corporate Communications. Lynn, a former pupil of Wick North Primary School and Wick High School, is the daughter of Ian and Maureen Shand.

Marie Richard graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a 2/1 honours degree in Business Studies. Marie is the daughter of Colin Richard, Broadhaven, Wick.

Debbie Robertson (née Harper), from Wick, graduated MA with honours in History and Politics, 2/1, from the University of Aberdeen. Debbie (26), who now lives in Aberdeen, is a former pupil of Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School.

Sarah Smith, daughter of the late Janet Smith (Pennyland Drive) and Terry Smith (Kilminster), graduated BSc (Hons) 2:1 in Microbiology and Infection from Edinburgh University. Sarah will be continuing her studies at Glasgow University for a master’s degree in Microbiology.

Ruth Sunderland, formerly of Hill of Forss, Thurso, a former pupil of Pennyland Primary School, Thurso, graduated BSc (Hons) in Biomed Sci (Physiology) from the University of Aberdeen.