Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal honours Perth Graduands

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands congratulated over 320 Perth graduates at the prestigious Perth College UHI graduation ceremony on Thursday 3 October.

The Perth College UHI graduates and award winners, together with friends and family enjoyed a warm congratulation on their achievements and an address by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal before being presented with their degrees, diplomas, certificates and awards.

Dr Margaret Cook, Perth College UHI Principal said: “We are delighted to welcome the University's Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to one of the most important days of the Perth College UHI calendar. This is a memorable day, celebrating our higher education student’s success in their studies, and marking the end of a very successful chapter of their lives, equipping them to move on to exciting future chapters.

“We work hard to ensure our students leave us with memories of an enjoyable experience and friends made along the way, many friendships made here will last a lifetime. We are all very proud of our graduates’ achievements and I wish them all congratulations and good luck for the future.”

Keynote Speaker, Cameron McNeish, is an award-winning writer and television presenter whose fields of interest include mountaineering, hill-walking, backpacking, cycle touring, mountain biking and Scots and Irish traditional music. He advised the students: “Aim beyond what you think you are capable of. Without question, you must believe what you’re doing is possible. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

“I’ve been richly blessed, hugely blessed, and all because a wee boy saw a couple of climbers come down from a mountain. Some might say I’ve been lucky but I don’t believe in luck – shallow people believe in luck. Strong people believe in cause and effect! So I wish each and every one of you the very best of cause and effect! May the wind be always at your back and may your path be clear and always rise before you.”

A number of graduates who won awards for exceptional achievement were honoured at the end of the ceremony when they were presented with special prizes for their efforts.

Lewis Melloy was awarded University of the Highlands and Islands Undergraduate Student of the Year 2019 for Perth College UHI. A BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness student, he was nominated because of his positive contribution to the college, the department, his course development and the support he gave to his peers along the way.

Lewis said in his student Vote of Thanks: “A special thank you goes out to our lecturers who have done a tremendous job of teaching and working with us, with such enthusiasm and passion. They have certainly been an inspiration to us all and without them; we would not have the opportunity to stand before you and graduate today. I hope that all lecturers take immense pride in the part they have played in our success and continued growth.”

The Perth College UHI Alumnus of the Year Award 2019 was awarded to Andrew Fairlie (Posthumous Award), presented to his wife Kate Fairlie. Andrew enjoyed a stellar career in the hospitality and food industry, highlights including cooking for Her Majesty The Queen and world leaders and gaining two Michelin stars with his Restaurant Andrew Fairlie within the heart of the iconic Gleneagles Hotel and Resort. Andrew retired from the kitchen in December 2017 to spend more time with his family and passed on 22nd January 2019.

The graduation ceremony was broadcast live on the Perth College UHI website, allowing relatives and friends to watch it anywhere in the world. The full ceremony can be seen here.

All the pictures from the event can be seen in our gallery: View our 2019 Graduation Photos