Students honoured at Thurso UHI graduation event
Graduates and award winners celebrated their achievements with friends, family and guests at the UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Graduation and Celebration of Achievement ceremony in Thurso.
Around 70 students attended the ceremony in St Peter’s and St Andrew’s church and celebratory reception in the Pentland Hotel to celebrate success in a range of further and higher education programmes including degrees, diplomas and SVQs.
Addressing the graduates on Wednesday, Lydia Rohmer, principal and chief executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “You have reached an incredible milestone in your lives by graduating today. Embarking on a learning journey like this is a true adventure, and, like any adventure, it can be daunting. It requires self-determination, passion, an open mind, and the ability to adapt to whatever you may encounter along the way.
“It demands resilience and strength to sustain such a journey and see it through to the end. With passion and hard work, you can achieve anything. I hope your time with us has opened many doors of opportunity for you and has prepared you not just for the world of work, but for a life well lived.”
She added: “Graduation is the most important date in the college calendar. It embodies what we do and why we exist. It is wonderful to chat with students, their friends, and family to hear more about their individual learning journeys and time with us.
“We are proud to celebrate the wonderful achievements of students completing their studies or graduating from a wide range of subjects in further education, work-based education, and higher education up to postgraduate level. This reflects the demand for lifelong learning in both life and work, at any age, and the needs of our employers for a highly skilled workforce.”
Guest speaker at this year’s event, entrepreneur Struan Mackie, shared his diverse career journey with guests and graduates and highlighted that his return to Thurso to turn his dream of starting a distillery in his hometown was made possible by a job at the college.
Staff and students were also recognised for several awards from the student association, HISA. The awards recognise the outstanding contributions staff and students have made throughout the academic year.
Dr Iain Robertson, from the UHI Centre for History, was presented the HISA Best Research or Dissertation Supervisor award by Debbie Miller for his exceptional dedication to supporting students with their dissertations.
Parneet Kaur, a Professional Golf student in Dornoch who achieved 3rd place in the British Universities and Colleges Sport Premier North Division, was a quarter-finalist in the Team Championships, and runner-up in the Scottish University Strokeplay Team Championships in 2024, was awarded with a HISA Half Blue.
Another HISA Sporting Half Blue was presented to BA (Hons) Professional Golf student Fraser Russell. Fraser tied for 4th place at the West of Scotland University Golf Championships, finished 8th at the Individual Scottish University Golf Championships, and was part of the team that earned runner-up in the Scottish University Golf Championships.
BA (Hons) Professional Golf graduate Taylor Kerr received an award for truly exceptional athletes HISA Sports Person of the Year. Taylor was awarded a full Sporting Blue in 2022 when the UHI team triumphed at the Scottish University Championships. This year, he has further distinguished himself by becoming the Scottish University Individual Golf Champion.
Taylor Kerr also gave the student vote of thanks and congratulated the graduates on their hard work, reminding them to always have a willingness to learn as they head off on their next step.
Closing the ceremony, Derek Lewis, chairman of the board of management of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “I would like to congratulate all our graduates and thank your families and friends for their support. I wish you all the very best for the future, whatever path you choose.
“This is a particularly special occasion as it marks the first graduation ceremony for UHI North, West and Hebrides, following the merger of UHI North Highland, UHI Outer Hebrides, and UHI West Highland on August 1, 2023.
“I hope the qualification you have earned will serve you well, whether you are continuing in or returning to a job, undertaking further training, or planning to continue your studies. The knowledge and skills you have gained provide a solid foundation, and we will be here to support you in the future, whenever the time is right, as part of your lifelong learning journey.”
Master of ceremony, Professor Stuart Gibb, congratulated all graduates and thanked the guests for attending before Mr Graham Birnie led the academic procession out of the church and to the Pentland Hotel for some refreshments.
More than 600 students are celebrating completion of their studies with UHI North, West and Hebrides this year, with ceremonies taking place in Fort William, Stornoway and Thurso.
‘The tutors were so supportive’
Emma Sewell
Emma Sewell (35), from Gillock, celebrated completing her SVQ3 in Hairdressing, having previously completed SVQ1 and SVQ2. She is now working on her business plan to start her own hairdressing business.
Reflecting on her experience, she said: “I had some health issues, so it took me longer to complete the SVQ3 as I had to take a break, but the tutors were so supportive, they were amazing. My confidence took a real dip, so the break worked better for me.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better support network – the college was brilliant, and the tutors allowed me to come back when it suited me. I built up the days gradually, and they delivered the course at my level so I could work through it.”
Emma, a full-time postie and mother of three, added: “I’ve always wanted to be a hairdresser, but family came first. I feel very proud to have got to where I am today and I am looking forward to building up my own business. I really want to work with the elderly as they can struggle to get out of the house to get their hair cut, but it means so much.”
‘It’s wonderful to see them grow in confidence’
Hazel Stewart
Lecturer Hazel Stewart (41), from Thurso, graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching Qualification Further Education.
Hazel, who teaches a variety of education, supported learning, early learning, and health courses at UHI North, West and Hebrides, initially planned to pursue an NHS management role after working as a care assistant.
She said: “I completed my BA in Health and Social Studies with UHI. After graduating, I was fortunate to secure a position at the college as an education support assistant. My mum was a teacher, and I always said I’d never follow that path because it seemed too stressful.
“However, working at the college is a completely different environment. I love it. I can build strong relationships with students and it’s wonderful to see them grow in confidence and achieve their goals. It’s been a fantastic career with numerous opportunities for my development.”
Hazel moved from an education support assistant to a lecturer, delivering the senior phase course in early learning and childcare.
She added: “I studied the Teaching Colleges Today qualifications and progressed to the Postgraduate Certificate from there. It was a great experience, especially since there were a few of us on campus doing the qualification together, which provided mutual support. I enjoyed learning the theory, which reinforced my knowledge and skills, and gave me the confidence to know that my work as a lecturer is of high quality and best practice.”
Her best piece of advice for anyone balancing work, study and family is: “It’s important to have a strong support system and make time for yourself. I play rugby and love spending time with my son, Camden. Don’t give up on things that matter to you; just ensure you make time for yourself and your loved ones.”
‘Golf is all I’ve ever wanted to do’
Taylor Kerr
Taylor Kerr (22), from Dumfries and Galloway, graduated with a BA (Hons) in Professional Golf. He was named the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association Sports Person of the Year 2024 after winning the Scottish Student Sports Championship as an individual and captaining the UHI Golf team to the final, where they finished as runners-up.
Reflecting on his journey, Taylor said: “I started playing golf when I was about 8 years old. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. I went to Elmwood in St Andrews and got an HNC and HND in Professional Golf.
“The progression there was to come up to UHI, and I went straight into year two of the degree. It’s been great. UHI Golf in Dornoch is such a professional environment where the standards are set so high. Everyone surrounding you has the same goals; we kept pushing each other on, and it helped me raise my own standards to get me to where I wanted to be when I graduated.
“The golf industry is so big – I’ve met people from all over the world, and my connections have broadened since moving to study here. I’ve also become so much more independent living here in Dornoch – it's really helped me grow up.”
Taylor did a student placement with the Carnegie Club, Skibo Castle, and now works there as Assistant Golf Professional. He continued: “I just feel I’m in a really good place – I’ve just continually been progressing, learning so much about the industry and about myself. I firmly believe if it wasn’t for the internship opportunity with UHI, I wouldn’t be working at the Carnegie Club today.”
On winning the Scottish Student Sports Championship, the most prestigious Scottish university event for golfers, Taylor said: “To win that as an individual was such a special moment for me, but leading the team to the final was an honour; it’s something I’ll never forget.”
Thurso graduation list, UHI North, West and Hebrides:
Doctor of Philosophy: Environmental Science PhD - Samuel Langlois Lopez
Doctor of Philosophy: History PhD - Julian Grant - Sarah Jane Jessen
Master of Education: Tertiary and Higher Education - Fiona Harper
Master of Science: Engineering (General) - Christopher Paul Finlay
Master of Science: Electrical Engineering - Fiona Louise Grant, Stephen James Francis
Master of Science: Mechanical Engineering - Damon Miah, Donald MacRae, William Stirling
Master of Science: Sustainable Energy Solutions - Teddy Arthur James Kavanagh, Oliver Lee, Joseph William Perry, Sergio Recuero Martinez, John Ross Strachan
Master of Science: Net Zero Communities - Frederic Herran, Jonathan Hume, Mia Lalanne, Matthew Mannion, Sarah Jane Jessen, Robin Joseph Sarkar
Postgraduate Diploma: Net Zero Communities - Megan Donaghy, Rebecca Stacey
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education [PGDE] - Karlyn Gemmill, Hannah Rhian Cormack, Miriam Nicol, Kerry Sim
Postgraduate Certificate: History of the Highlands and Islands - Frances Christley
Postgraduate Certificate: Health and Wellbeing - Amelia Louise Davis, Emma Heritage, Catherine Ann Somerville
Postgraduate Certificate: Net Zero Communities - Sean Skelton, Gadiid Farah Warsame
Postgraduate Certificate: Teaching Qualification Further Education - Ashleigh Amanda Campbell, Lesley Margaret Mackay, Scott Spence
Postgraduate Certificate: Tertiary and Higher Education - Clara Hickey, Mingyu Jiang, Michael McGlynn, Carol Thompson
Postgraduate Certificate: Sustainable Energy Solutions - James MacDonald
Postgraduate Certificate: Sustainable Rural Development - Naomi Kaye
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Applied Music - Robert Toby King, Daniel Castro Recuero, Mark Robinson, Rebecca Shillan
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands - Paul Campbell, Amalie Krøldrup Hoff, Syrina Martina Jobst, Ana Baig Navea
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Business and Management - Lauren Jane Mackay
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Child and Youth Studies - Olivia Emily Jackson, Mollie O’Brien
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Creative Writing in the Highlands and Islands - Alex Catherine Huntley
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Equine Business Management - Julian Agnello De Vaz Carreiro, Rebecca Kennedy, Corinne MacPhail, Megan McKenzie, Kirsty Sewell, Kiera Caitlin Walker
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Golf Management - James Darby
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: History - Lillian Mary Slater
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: History and Politics - Liam David Robert Morrison
Bachelor of Arts with Honours: Professional Golf - Samuel Brooke, Bradley Ferguson, Jack Cuthbertson, Taylor Kerr, Arran Brierley Hastings, Fraser Hamilton, Robert Michael Irvine, Cameron Macaulay, Callum Andrew McMillan, Fraser Merriweather, Sebastian Ploner
Bachelor of Engineering with Honours: Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Dean Anthony Frazer
Bachelor of Arts: Business and Management - Sarah Martin, Lisa Ashley Kuczyk
Bachelor of Arts: Childhood Practice - Lee Fox
Bachelor of Arts: Child and Youth Studies - Chloe Fox, Victoria Lee Mutch
Bachelor of Arts: Contemporary Film Making in the Highlands and Islands - Emmet Hennessy
Bachelor of Arts: Equine Business Management - Anya Rose Philp Adams, Sinead Blance, Ellen Finnigan, Alexandra Rouse, Hollie Rebecca Rutherford, Kirsty Fiona Sewell, Heather Rowan Witney
Bachelor of Arts: Golf Management - Dominique Stefanie Franka
Bachelor of Arts: Health and Social Studies - Lyndsay Mackay
Bachelor of Arts: Professional Golf - Alastair James Grindlay, Andrew Hutchison
Bachelor of Arts: Social Science - Katie Louise Budge
Bachelor of Engineering: Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Sadie Kristine Craigie, Cameron Richard John Fortey, Lewis Fraser, Lewis Murdo Kelly, Craig Douglas Kennedy, Cameron Neil Mackay, Ruaridh George Colin MacKay
Bachelor of Engineering: Energy Engineering - Chloe Brooke Dunnett
Bachelor of Engineering: Mechanical Engineering - Angus Macdonald, Liam Robert Sinclair
Bachelor of Science: Computing (Networking and Cyber Security) - Sebastian Thain
Bachelor of Science: Sports and Fitness - Rhyce Joe Cheetham
Continuing Professional Development: Teaching Qualification Further Education (Level 9) - Hazel Stewart
Professional Development Award: Workplace Assessment Using Direct and Indirect Methods (Level 8) - Carolanne McGinley
Diploma of Higher Education: Engineering Systems - Scott Robertson
Diploma of Higher Education: Equine Business Management - Sophie Cumming, Rachel Wilson
Diploma of Higher Education: Mechanical Engineering - Darryl Alexander O’Sullivan
Diploma of Higher Education: Professional Golf (PGA) - Dominic Bradburn, David Garry Booth, Joseph Bryce, Alan Currie, Kevin Thomas Duncan, Christopher Finnie, Anthony Jackson, Sam Kiloh, Peter Gordon Maxwell, Scott Munro, Graeme Robertson, Jack Ramsay, Rory Fraser Starke, Scott Thomson, Conner James Wood, Christopher Woodhouse
Certificate of Higher Education: Equine Studies - Alex Sallans
Certificate of Higher Education: Professional Golf - Ross White, Chloe Rose Thackeray
Higher National Diploma: Computer Science - Ryan Gray, Graeme Gunn
Higher National Diploma: Engineering Systems - Finlay Adams, Adam Bremner, Sarah Donn, Arran Henderson, Mark Macadie, Connor Macdonald, Euan Macdonald, Duncan Mackay, Kyle Mackenzie, Owen Mathieson, Jordan Oag, Owen Robertson-Carswell
Higher National Certificate: Business - Andrew Brims, Mark Noble, Cara Steven
Higher National Certificate: Childhood Practice - Louise Campbell, Emma Cowie, Carla Elder, Alison Fannon, Robyn Gow, Deborah Mackay, Siobhan Stewart, Rhiannon Wardle, Megan Webster
Higher National Certificate: Construction Management - Michael McAllan, William McNeill, Bryan More, Thomas Sutherland
Higher National Certificate: Engineering systems - Matthew Aitkenhead, Liam Bain, Liam Blackwood, James Cameron, Charlotte Cunningham, Matthew Darroch, Paul Grant, Matthew Halle, Owen Klimas, Summer Lawrie, Scott Levack, Kieran MacDonald, Murray MacKay, Tony Mackay, Lewis MacKillop, Aidan Miller, Don Miller, Luke Sermanni, Dylan Smith, Nathan Strother, Jarrod Whalen
Higher National Certificate: Equine Studies - Anna Beattie, Erin Campbell
Higher National Certificate: Music - Daniel Anderson, Rhoehaisse Clark, Jamie Hallford, Shauna Hills, Callum McNair, Geai Thompson
Higher National Certificate: Social Services - Megan MacDonald
Higher National Certificate: Sound Production - Billy Andrew, Mark Durrand, Liam Ironside, Eilidh Kerr, Reid Middleton, Isabelle Quemby, Rian Weafer
Higher National Certificate: Wildlife and Conservation Management - Arran Cameron, Anna Gordon, Kathryn Louwen, William Manson, Kirsten Swales
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 (MA): Social Services and Healthcare - Jennie Kimberley Bird, Keira Campbell, Renata Grove, Anne Hugan, Marian Mowatt, Mark McPhee, Morven Smart
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3 (MA): Hospitality Supervision and Leadership - Shannon Ross
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Beauty Therapy - Kayla Begg, Louise Findlay, Corina Swanson
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Hairdressing - Leah Carter, Tamsin Kay, Emma Sewell
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Social Services and Healthcare - Megan Ann, Kirsty Bogue, Chloe Graham, John Gunn, Paul Mackenzie, Estelle Morgan, Elaine Peacock, Nicolle Smith, Tjasa Strasek
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Social Services Children and Young People - Kathryn Fraser
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Professional Cookery - Cameron Armstrong, Tracy Bremner, Briana Davey, Finlay MacDonald, Connor Miller, Holly Preston, Aidan Sutherland
Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3: Youth Work - Kai Archer
Diploma in Veterinary Nursing - Lucy Brydon, Charlotte Carson, Connie Chubb, Erin Kearon, Yolanda Labanca, Natalie MacDonald, Cara Mathieson, Claire Parisis, Emily Steele, Layla Wiseman
Professional Development Award: Carpentry and Joinery - Josh Brown, Owen Fulton, Sam Gemmell, Kieran Gunn, Connor Innes, Filip Pacula, Jonathan Smith
Business, Marketing and Tourism - Sophie-Ann Bain
