The sun shone on more than 500 beaming graduates from Inverness College UHI who received their scrolls yesterday after years of hard work.
Proud family members looked on as the former students’s efforts were formally recognised at a ceremony at the city’s Eden Court Theatre.
Those graduating were collected awards for a variety of courses, from degrees to higher national dioplomas (HND).
Guest of honour was well-known Scottish sports broadcaster Rob Maclean, who was born in Invergordon and attended Inverness College before embarking on his media career.
Following the ceremony, staff, students and guests enjoyed a reception at the new Inverness College UHI at Inverness Campus.
Michelle Smith, of Blarmore Avenue, Inverness, qualified with a BA in Child and Youth Studies and plans to complete a postgraduate degree at Aberdeen University in primary school teaching.
The 33-year-old, who juggled pregnancy and motherhood throughout her studies, was yesterday joined by her husband Richard and their 14-month-old son, Finlay.
Mrs Smith said: “I would love to go back to Hilton Primary after it all. I always wanted to do primary school teaching so to come out with this qualification is a great feeling.”
Ailsa Fraser, 20, of Auldearn, qualified with an HND in Quantity Surveying and starts a new job as a contracts administrator with Highland Council on Monday.
She said: “The course was a really good experience and I have just been given a six month contract with Highland Council so I am looking forward to that.”
Her father Brian Fraser said: “I am absolutely delighted, especially because she has just got a job with Highland Council. I am very proud and it’s good that she has a degree which has allowed her to quickly get a job.”
Elena Stabili, 23, from Italy, gained her BA Honours in Child and Youth Studies after a three years. She said: “It is a fantastic course and I did it online and was able to work at a nursery in Merkinch last August too.”
Diane Rawlinson, principal and chief executive at Inverness College UHI, said: “For everyone here today, graduation is a celebration of years of hard work, dedication and at times, single-minded determination.
“I am extremely proud of all of our graduates and hope today is the start of a happy new journey as they embark on their careers. I wish them all the very best for the future.”
