A north-east man, who received an HND in sound production from North East Scotland College yesterday, is putting his qualification to good use running his own business.
Colin Harris, who is originally from Ythanbank near Ellon, completed the course more than ten years after starting his first music-related qualification.
The 34-year-old said: “Years ago I did a music technology course and I always wanted to do the production course, I kind of regretted not doing that.
“Ten years later I’m in Aberdeen and my girlfriend spotted this course. I was in a position where I could do it so I applied and got accepted. I really felt I had reached an ‘it’s now or never’ time to get into the industry.”
Mr Harris enjoyed his time at college, and was particularly impressed by the facilities available.
He said: “The location of the college was a factor in my decision to study in Aberdeen but I was also blown away by the brand new industry-standard facilities on site.
“We were really lucky to be the first year of classes to use the purpose-built facilities in the Aberdeen City campus. You could tell a lot of time and thought had gone into the design and layout of the studios in the department.”
The graduate is currently working as a sound and light technician at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, and plans to continue working on his own business.
“I’m working in the Beach Ballroom and I also have another business called Sound & Deliver,” he said.
“I provide PA and do sound engineering for local bands and things, and that’s going well.”