UHI Orkney held its graduation ceremony celebrating the success and achievements of its students and staff on Friday 29th of September 2023.

Held in the inspirational surroundings of St Magnus Cathedral the event is one where family, friends, students, staff and local officials come together to mark this next stage on the learning journey.

James Wylie, Corporate Director , Education, Leisure and Housing at Orkney Islands Council explained that there would be no traditional ‘doffing of the cap’ at the ceremony.

In her published address in the Graduation programme Councillor Gwenda Shearer who is Chair of the Education, Leisure and Housing Committee at OIC said:

“A very small number of UHI Orkney final year students do not yet have their final results, due to industrial action by the EIS-FELA union, and for this reason no degree classes are listed in the programme.

“It is important to us that all students are able to celebrate their achievements with classmates, families and staff and mark the completion or expected completion of their studies.

“Our ceremony today takes an inclusive approach, and we are delighted to welcome all of our final year students across the stage in acknowledgements of their achievements.”

Guest speaker at the event was Beverly Clubley recently retired to Orkney and who is Chair of Orkney College Management Council and vice chair of UHI Regional Strategic Committee.

She said that it was a pleasure and a privilege to be invited to the ceremony and to present awards in Further Education. In her address she commented:

” Your success and achievements are proof positive that you have the skills.

” Look back at the rest of you lives and remember with fondness the people met.” She went on to speak about Orkney being a ‘special place’ and that there was ‘nowhere like it’, describing it as a ‘tapestry of community.’

And she added that UHI was special too with a connectedness to the world. She also referred to the upcoming Islands Games which Orkney will host in 2025 and where she is the Director of Ceremonies.

‘Go or stay,’ she added. ‘You will always have a place in Orkney.’

The Presentation of Higher Education Awards was conducted by Vicki Nairn, Interim Vice Principal and Vice Chancellor of UHI.

She commented:

“Remember that education does not end with a qualification, it is a lifelong journey which will help you to fulfil your dreams and ambitions.”

There were several special awards sponsored by various UHI Orkney departments and local businesses.

UHI Orkney Student of the Year was awarded to Lesley Mulraine.

Fiona Grahame