UHI Inverness students honoured at graduation ceremony

GRADUATES celebrated their academic achievements with friends, family and staff at the UHI Inverness Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2022 on Thursday.

It was a welcome return to Eden Court for the ceremony, the first to take place face-to-face since 2019, and it was attended by more than 800 people.

The graduates celebrated success in a range of higher education qualifications including Higher National Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, Degrees and Postgraduate programmes.

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, said: “This joyful event reminds me of the important role UHI Inverness plays within the Highland community. Our local communities need skilled, talented people like our graduates who have demonstrated amazing resilience and determination in extraordinary times. I know they will continue to do us proud, safe in the knowledge that all at UHI Inverness are wishing them well.”

Strongman athletes Luke and Tom Stoltman, known as ‘The World’s Strongest Brothers,’ entertained guests with their tales of triumph and overcoming obstacles.

The Stoltmans congratulated and praised the graduates, saying: “It is always great to see people in our community work hard to achieve. We wish them good luck for the next chapter and whatever the future holds.”

During the ceremony Iain Macneil of Aviemore, Chief Executive Officer of Witherby Publishing Group, one of Scotland’s largest publishing companies, received an Honorary Doctorate from UHI. Iain, who joined the Merchant Navy at the age of 16, overcame his own difficulties with dyslexia to help thousands of others across the globe to do the same through the development of training software.

Sporting Blues, awarded by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) and UHI to highlight outstanding achievement in sport by students and graduates, were presented to Tom and Luke Stoltman (Honorary Blue), Alexander Mackay – Athletics (Full Blue) and Luke Davidson - Athletics and Morgan Gray - Equestrian (Half Blue).

Professor Melanie Smith, Vice Principal – Academic and Research, and Professor Vicky Johnson, Director of the Centre for Living Sustainability, both of UHI Inverness, were also acknowledged for receiving the titles of Professor of Biodiversity, Conservation and Education and Professor of Childhood, Youth and Sustainability, respectively, from UHI.

William Campbell, President of the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association at UHI Inverness, said: “I would like to thank all the new alumni of UHI Inverness for putting in the hard work to get where you are today. You are all an inspiration to all our new students; your success will motivate them to go on and achieve in their own studies. Good luck in your future endeavours and don’t be a stranger, you are all part of the UHI Inverness family.”

Provost of Inverness and Area Glynis Sinclair said: “Behind every student graduating are families, friends, partners and supporters who have given their help and encouragement to see you through to this day. I say thank you to you all for your hard studies and endeavours and wish you the very best with your future careers. This is a very proud day for all.”

The graduation was followed by a celebratory reception at UHI Inverness, Inverness Campus.