Students from Moray College UHI were dressed to impress for their graduation ceremony yesterday.
Hundreds of graduates made their way to Elgin’s town hall with proud family and friends for ceremonies in the morning and afternoon.
The students were piped into the building before assembling as classes for the final time to receive their new qualifications.
Guest speaker David Robertson, managing director of Pozzi and Bijou by the Sea, praised the ambition of everyone who had completed their courses.
He said: “They’ve all come from nothing and got to the point of achieving something. It’s an inspiration to anybody that if you work hard enough, show dedication, a bit of sacrifice then you can accomplish anything.”
Traditional music was piped as they left the town hall as graduates for the first time before sharing hugs with proud onlookers.
Keith councillor Gary Coull was one of those who trooped across the stage to be doffed with the cap. The SNP group leader is standing down from the council at next year’s election and intends to take up teaching after picking up his history and
politics degree.
He said: “I came to the decision that I would be best placed to transfer my passion for politics to the next generation in the classroom.
“Getting young people interested in civic life is so important. I really want to encourage them as a modern studies or history teacher.”
Elgin resident Yuan Benson, graduated with an honours degree in business and management despite English not being her first language. After moving to Aberdeen from China 11 years ago the 38-year-old is now settled in Moray.
She said: “The first two years were very difficult because my English was not as good. I’ve improved a lot though and it got easier.
“I would like to get a job in marketing. It’s what I’m passionate about. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the qualification so it’s been worth it.”
Former professional footballer Charles King, who turned out for Brechin and Livingston, will now turn his hand to making false teeth with his dental technology qualification.
Elizabeth Allan, from Marypark near Aberlour, 64, intends to use her new horticulture skills to remember her grandson Andrew, who died three years ago aged 13.
She said: “I was completely lost. I wasn’t interested in gardening at all but it gave me such a release. I’m happy I can do it in memory of him.”