2025 Highlights
Graduation Ceremonies 2025
Students across the Highlands and Islands were honoured at three UHI North, West and Hebrides graduation ceremonies in Thurso, Stornoway and Fort William. Graduates, award winners, family members and guests came together to celebrate achievements across further and higher education.
More than 600 students completed their studies this year in a range of programmes, including degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications.
Principal’s message
Addressing graduates, Lydia Rohmer, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:
“You are now part of a story much larger than your own. You have shown incredible determination, adaptability and resilience to reach your goal. You are graduating into a world of challenge but also one of immense possibility, and I hope you will apply what you have learned to good.”
Thurso - Friday 24 October
Around 100 students attended the ceremony in St Peter’s and St Andrews Church. The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Debbie Miller, Vice Principal Strategic Developments.
Mace Bearer:
Lindsay Henderson, recognised for her passionate advocacy of the student voice over a 17 year career with the college.
Guest Speaker:
Ryan Maclean, Scrabster Harbour Trust Manager
He encouraged graduates to value the habits and character developed through study, including perseverance and commitment.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Sporting Blues Awards
- Full Blue Award: Louis Fleming, BA (Hons) Professional Golf
- Honorary Blue Award: Iain Morrison, former Dean of Student Experience
- IET Student Excellence Award 2025: Mark Adams, BEng (Hons) Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Professor James Hunter Dissertation Prize: Joy Rollinson, BA (Hons) History
Stornoway - Friday 31 October
Around 40 students attended the ceremony at Martin’s Memorial Church. The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Joe MacPhee, Head of Strategic Projects.
Mace Bearer:
Ally Macleod, lecturer and member of the Board of Management, recognised for his commitment to training future engineers and electricians and for strengthening partnerships with industry and the local community.
Guest Speaker:
Lewis Gillies, entrepreneur from the Isle of Lewis
He encouraged graduates to see graduation as a starting point filled with new possibilities.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Catriona Macarthur – Comunn na Gaidhlig Award for Merit in Gaelic
- Jane Macmillan – Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Gaelic Award
- Faith Longmuir – The Scarr Hall Memorial Trust Award
- Sinclair Currie – CIB Services Award
- John Macaskill – Institution of Mechanical Engineers Award for Best Final Mechanical Project
- Abigail Morrison – Student of the Year in Contemporary Film Making
Fort William - Friday 7 November
Around 70 students attended the ceremony. The event was led by Master of Ceremonies Tracy Kerr, Head of Performance and Planning.
Mace Bearer:
Martin Johnstone, lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, recognised for his professionalism and dedication in launching the CECA Scotland Academy Civil Engineering Operative course.
The ceremony included musical performances by current students and piping by Liam Gray.
Awards and Recognitions:
- Honorary Doctorate: Dave MacLeod, professional climber, author and educator
- UHI Alumnus of the Year: Andy Macleod, former School of Adventure Studies student
- UHI North, West and Hebrides Overall Student of the Year: Adam Hutchison, NC Music and DJing with Sound Production
- Pioneering Leadership in Tertiary Education Award: Fiona Grant, former Director of Curriculum and Student Experience
Closing all three ceremonies, Derek Lewis, Chairman of the Board of Management, congratulated graduates and encouraged them to stay connected as alumni.
Thank you to our Sponsors
The ceremonies were supported by MacInnes Bros Ltd, Energee Services Ltd, MOWI, Allan Ingram Industrial Cleaning Services, An Cafaidh Mara. Their contributions helped create a memorable celebration for graduates and guests.
