More than 200 students celebrated their hard work at Eden Court yesterday after a year of success at Inverness College UHI.
Graduates, family and friends packed the theatre for the ceremony, before taking part in a procession after receiving their awards.
Students collected certificates for a variety of courses, with qualifications encompassing Higher National Certificates (HNC) and Higher National Diplomas (HND), degrees, honours degrees and professional awards.
Among them was 22-year-old Rachael Bews who was presented with a prize for overall undergraduate of the year for her work towards a first class business studies degree.
The Evanton student was nominated for the prize for combining her studies with serving as a student officer, and completing an internship with SSE.
Another major award winner was Colin Morrison, 47, from Dingwall, who was awarded the Michael Parry award for laboratory science after graduating with a BSc in environmental science.
Another of yesterday’s graduates was David Gray from Strathpeffer who gave up a long-term position at the Natural History Museum in London to undertake an HND in Forestry.
He said: “I spent 24 years working as a scientist at the museum but I just felt like I needed a career change. I’d had enough of London for one thing.”
Asked why he chose to study forestry, Mr Gray said: “I just love trees, it’s quite simple.”
He graduated alongside friend Niall Justice, who was awarded a BSc in the subject.
He said: “I’ve worked in the industry for some time but I was given the chance to come here and get a qualification, which I’ve enjoyed.”
Another combining studies with work was Highland Council employee Nicola Mackenzie.
The employability officer graduated yesterday with a diploma in public service leadership and chartered management.
She attended the ceremony with parents George and Joan Durward, as well as husband Ross.
She said: “I’m very proud. I’ve been sponsored to take the course by my work so I’m delighted.”
College principal Diane Rawlinson presented the students with their certificates, before local entrepreneur and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival director, Joe Gibbs, of Belladrum Estate gave the annual guest speech to the assembly.