Coffee, energy drinks and plenty of petrol stations helped power Fraserburgh man David Williamson through his degree.
The 21-year-old said graduating yesterday was a big relief after balancing a full-time job with his studies and an 80-mile round commute each day.
Mr Williamson picked up his BEng degree in mechanical and offshore engineering and works as a subsea design engineer at GE Oil and Gas.
His busy days involved him regularly leave home at 6.30am and not return until 10pm.
“It’s been nice to have something to mark the end of it but I’m already on a new course,” said Mr Williamson, who is now studying for a masters in subsea engineering at Aberdeen University.
“I still live in Fraserburgh and I’m still commuting. The car is fairly clocking up the miles.”
The north-east graduate started studying for a HNC in mechanical engineering in 2008 through a scheme at Fraserburgh Academy, before going on to achieve a HND at North East Scotland College.
“After that, I decided I wanted a job but would go back to college at some point to continue my studies.
“Luckily GE funded this through the apprenticeship program.
“Initially, I thought I’d stop at HND level but decided to continue the BEng – which in turn has made me decide to keep going.”