Robert Arthur Smith, a former pupil of Crossroads Primary School and Thurso High, graduated from the University of St Andrews with first-class honours in Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry and External Placement. Robert is the son of Julian and Rosemary Smith, of Brough, and grandson of Barbara and the late Arthur Smith, of Thurso.

Steven Smith graduated from Liverpool John Moores University with a BEng (Hons) in Industrial Electronics and Control Engineering. Steven is the son of Sylvia and Clive Smith, Saughall, Chester, and grandson of the late Kenny and Rita Maclean, Couper Street, Thurso.

Gemma Rennie (née Forsyth) graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a first-class honours degree in Physiotherapy. Gemma is a former pupil of Miller Academy and Thurso High.

David Sutherland graduated from Heriot-Watt University with an MEng (first-class honours) in Structural Engineering. David is the son of Andy and Angela Sutherland, Inverness, and grandson of George and Nancy McRae, Balloch, and the late Frank and Ina Sutherland, John O'Groats. A former pupil of Canisbay Primary, Caithness, and Crown Primary and Millburn Academy, Inverness, he is due to start employment with Mott MacDonald in Inverness.

Laura Stevenson graduated with a BA (Hons) in Ceramics from the University of Wales in Cardiff. Laura is the daughter of Paul and Margaret Stevenson, Oxford, and the granddaughter of Betty and the late Donnie Rosie, Wick, and Margaret and John Stevenson, Glossop.

David Scott graduated with a master's engineering degree (with distinction) in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Glasgow and Strathclyde universities. David, a former pupil of Pennyland Primary School and Thurso High, is the elder son of Angela and Alan Scott, of Upper Burnside Avenue, Thurso. He is now taking up a position with Technip in Aberdeen as a project engineer.

David Struthers graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering. David, a former pupil of Pennyland Primary and Thurso High School, is the eldest son of Colin and Sylvia Struthers, Upper Burnside Drive, Thurso.

Kevin Swanson, of Devaleen, Reiss, graduated from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, with a BSc (Hons) in Brewing and Distilling (first class). He was awarded the Brewers' Association of Scotland prize for the best undergraduate honours student in a brewing project. Kevin, a former pupil of Wick North and Wick High schools, is the youngest son of Robbie and Alison Swanson, of Reiss.

Lorraine Sinclair, former dux of Wick High School, graduated from the University of Edinburgh with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degrees. Lorraine, who also attended Pulteneytown Academy, is the daughter of John and Avril, of Murray Villa, Newton Road, Wick. She will take up her foundation doctor post at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in August.

Michael Richard graduated with first-class honours in Mechanical Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. Michael is the son of Ian and the late Angie Richard, Crossford, Dunfermline, and grandson of Ray and the late Billy Richard, Broadhaven, Wick. He is now employed with Weir Engineering.

Jamie Swanson graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBChB). Jamie is the son of John Swanson, Thurso, and Gloria Swanson, Thurso. Jamie will start his foundation doctor post at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh shortly.

Joanne Sim graduated from the Open University with a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies. Joanne, a former pupil of Thurso High School, is the daughter of Graham and Yvonne, and gained her degree after seven years' study while working full time as campaigns officer for Advocates for Animals in Edinburgh. She is currently on a gap year travelling in the USA and volunteering at the Farm Sanctuary.

Rhys Reid graduated in International Relations (BA Hons) from UWE Bristol. Rhys, a former pupil of Miller Academy Primary School and Thurso High School, will be continuing his studies and starting his masters next year.

Leigh Shallcross graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Child Health) with distinction from Napier University in Edinburgh, where she was awarded the University Medal. Leigh attended Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School and is the daughter of Tim and Judy Shallcross, of Stirkoke. She is now working as a theatre staff nurse at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

Karen Rigg graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing from the University of Stirling. Karen, a former pupil at Melvich Primary School and Thurso High School, is the eldest daughter of Lucy and Hugh Munro, and the granddaughter of Catherine Munro, Armadale.

Nicola Swanson graduated from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a master's degree in Architecture. Nicola is a former pupil of Wick North School and Wick High and is the daughter of Peter and Carolyn Swanson, Harrowhill, Wick.

Lesley Thwaites, from Castletown, graduated from Inverness College UHI with an HNC in Social Studies and an SVQ 3 in Youth and Childcare.

Ainsley Claire Shearer graduated in Pharmacy Management Services and Development from Telford College, Edinburgh. She is currently working as a clinical technologist based at the radionuclide dispensary at the Western Infirmary in Glasgow. Ainsley is the daughter of Douglas and Maureen Shearer, Stroma Place, Thurso.

Carey Simpson graduated from North Highland College UHI with a BA in Child and Youth Studies. Carey, a former pupil of Keiss Primary School and Wick High School, is the daughter of Eddie and Deirdre Simpson. She is currently undertaking postgraduate studies in Primary Education at Aberdeen University.

Kimberley Smith graduated from the North Highland College UHI with a BA in Child and Youth Studies. Kimberley, a former pupil of Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School, is the daughter of Robbie and Irene Smith, Wick. She is currently studying at Aberdeen University for a Professional Graduate Diploma in Primary Education.

Jacqueline Sutherland graduated with an HNC in Early Years Education and Childcare from the North Highland College. Jacqueline is the daughter of Ann and Andy Sutherland, Bilbster.

Fiona Sutherland, of Croick, Strath Halladale, graduated from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, with a BSc in Podiatry. Fiona, a former pupil of Kinbrace primary and Golspie High School is currently working in a private practice in Edinburgh with Boroughmuir Rugby FC. She is the youngest daughter of Margaret and the late David Sutherland

Catriona Sutton graduated from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a BSc (Hons) (first class) in Forensic Science with Law. Catriona is the daughter of Jonathon Sutton, Wick, and Wilma Toye, formerly of Wick, and granddaughter of the late Betty and George McPhee, Wick.

Emma Rochon, from Mintlaw, graduated BA in Law LLB honours (second-class upper) from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Emma is the daughter of Michael and Mary Rochon, who belong to Caithness and now live in Aberdeenshire.

Gregory Sinclair graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BSc honours degree in Physics with Chemistry. He is the son of Andrew and Sylvie Sinclair, Angle Park, Wick, and the grandson of Philippe and Josee Morganti, Nice, France, and the late William and Isobel Sinclair, Wick. Gregory attended Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School.

Amanda Catherine Smith, of Willowbank, Wick, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a BSc in Geology and Petroleum Geology (Hons). Amanda is a former pupil of Hillhead Primary School and Wick High School and is the daughter of William and Barbara Smith.

Michael Smith, of Gunn's Terrace, Wick, graduated from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a Master of Pharmacy. Michael is the son of Robert and Anne Smith, Wick.

Pamela Sargent graduated from the University of Aberdeen with an MA honours degree (first class) in English and History of Art. Pamela is the eldest daughter of Ian and Ann Sargent and a former pupil of Pulteneytown Academy and Wick High School.

Samantha Taylor, daughter of Raymond and Carol Taylor, Thurso, graduated from the University of Glasgow with a BSc in Human Biology. Samantha, a former pupil of Mount Pleasant Primary School and Thurso High School, takes up a graduate post in Seoul, South Korea, later this month.

Shazia Sarwar graduated BSc (Hons) in Diagnostic Imaging Science from Glasgow Caledonian University. She is the youngest daughter of Ghulam and Naseem Sarwar, Ben Bhraggie Drive, Golspie, and the granddaughter of the late Bashir Ahmed, Dempster Street, Wick. A former pupil of Golspie primary and high schools, Shazia is currently working as a radiographer in the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow.

Miriam Sutherland graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a masters degree in Occupational Health and Ergonomics. She was sponsored by DSRL Ltd.

Helga Sinclair, Nottingham Mains, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Bachelor of Science (hons) (2:1) in Agricultural Science. She is the daughter of Ian and Meg Sinclair, and granddaughter of Elizabeth Sinclair and the late Alistair Sinclair, Nottingham Mains, and Elma and David Pottinger, Western Australia. Helga formerly attended Lybster Primary School and Wick High School.

Alex Rettie, a former pupil of Thurso High School, graduated from Edinburgh University with a Masters (first-class honours) in Chemical Engineering. Alex was also awarded a class medal for being the overall top student in his final year.

Vicki Ronaldson, of Rockhill Road, Wick, graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a PhD in Chemistry. Vicki, who is working as a clinical research scientist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, is a former pupil of Wick North Primary School and Wick High School.

Kirsty Rodgers, a recent graduate from The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, attained a BA first-class honours degree in International Tourism Management. Kirsty, daughter of Shane and Susan Rodgers, attended Pennyland Primary and Thurso High School.

Anna Ruddick has graduated from the Open University with a BSc Honours degree in Social Sciences. She received her award at the Barbican Centre, London. Anna is a former pupil of Wick High School and is the daughter of Bob and Lyn Ruddick, formerly of Papigoe. She is now working for Saga Insurance.

Diane Sutherland has been awarded an HNC in Legal Studies by the Central College of Commerce in Glasgow, studying through distance learning. Diane, of 'Lingland', Occumster, Lybster, works as a court paralegal with Wick-based firm Highland Law Practice. She is a member of the Scottish Paralegal Association.

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.