Thurso provost to be guest speaker at UHI graduation ceremony
Scores of students will graduate at a ceremony in Thurso next week, with the co-founder of a local distillery as guest speaker at the event.
Struan Mackie of North Coast Distillery will give his speech at the UHI North, West and Hebrides’ graduation and celebration of achievement ceremony at St Peter’s and St Andrew’s Church.
Around 70 graduates and their guests will attend the event, which will celebrate the achievements of students completing both higher and further education programmes.
Struan, managing director of North Coast Distillers and owner of North Point Distillery, is an award-winning entrepreneur recognised at home and abroad for his contribution to sustainable spirit production and the promotion of Scottish produce.
He is also a local councillor, the Provost of Thurso, a Kentucky Colonel, and UHI North, West and Hebrides board member.
Lydia Rohmer, principal and chief executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said: “We are delighted to welcome Struan to our graduation ceremony in Thurso. He exemplifies entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to our local communities, values we try to instill in all our students.”
Graham Birnie chair of UHI North, West and Hebrides’ local advisory committee for the north Highlands, will be this year’s mace bearer.
The graduation ceremony, on Wednesday, September 25, will be followed by a celebratory reception in the Pentland Hotel.
More than 600 students are celebrating completion of their further education or higher education programme this year, with many due to attend one of three ceremonies being held in Fort William, Thurso and Stornoway to celebrate alongside staff, friends and family.