UHI Argyll students gather together to celebrate success

Seventy-five graduating students and their guests from all corners of Argyll & Bute, and Arran gathered in the spectacular setting of the Queen’s Hall, Dunoon, last Friday 27th September, for UHI Argyll’s annual Graduation and Celebration of Achievement.

Students at UHI Argyll are scattered across the region, connecting in virtual classrooms with their lecturers and peers across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Many of them were meeting in person for the first time as they received their awards.

The ceremony recognised the achievements of UHI Argyll’s Further Education and Higher Education students as well as those receiving Degrees and Post Graduate Qualifications from the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Guest Speaker 

Guest Speaker for the event was international bestselling author Coinneach MacLeod, better known to some as the Hebridean Baker.

Coinneach’s books celebrate Scottish culinary traditions while weaving a broader narrative of heritage, folklore, travel and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Hebrides throughout. Before his culinary career, Coinneach graduated in Old Icelandic Studies from the University of Glasgow. His professional journey initially took him overseas to Russia and Australia, before returning to Scotland, where he worked with Celtic and the Scottish FA, before roles at FIFA and UEFA took him back overseas. During an address which was both inspiring and entertaining, he encouraged graduates not to underestimate the power of learning something just for the love of it and advised that ‘’Your education isn't just about what you learn, but how you learn and the skills you gather along the way.’’

Student of the Year Awards 

The event culminated with a presentation of UHI Argyll’s Student of the Year Awards.

Schools Link Student of the Year 

Mia MacLaren, 5th year student at Campbeltown Grammar School received the 2024 Schools Link Student of the Year Award, having completed the Health Sector Schools Link course with UHI Argyll.

Mia’s resilience shone during the practical assessment element of the course as she demonstrated her maturity, strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

Mia hopes to become a paramedic and is undertaking a Foundation Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care with the college this year. When asked for advice for this year’s students, Mia said, "Just believe in yourself. It doesn’t matter if you get it wrong, be confident and know you can do this!"

Further Education Student of the Year 

Dunoon student, Siobhan Moore, was named as UHI Argyll’s Further Education Student of the Year 2024.

Siobhan studied NQ Health and Social Care and received multiple nominations for the award, in recognition of her outstanding work ethic, determination, and positive attitude. This year Siobhan progressed to an HNC in Social Services and has also been elected as HISA Depute for Argyll, representing the voice of the colleges 1200 students.

Siobhan said, "This feels crazy, to be nominated for this award, for class representative, and being elected to the job as HISA Depute – I never saw myself achieving this much. I’m delighted!"

Higher Education Student of the Year

Megan Ingham, from the Isle of Arran, has been named as UHI Argyll’s Higher Education Student of the Year 2024. Megan was twice nominated for the award having demonstrated unwavering commitment to her studies and career goals by having her second child alongside studying for her HNC in Childhood Practice.

Megan already had a busy home life, with a partner and toddler at home. Upon discovering she was pregnant with her second child, she did not let the news deter her, but instead found it enhanced her motivation. Throughout the course Megan’s work ethic was commendable, consistently producing work of a high standard, passing all her assignments, often submitting work before it was due, and having excellent attendance, returning to class just days after having her second child, Poppy.  

Megan said, "I never thought that I would graduate, so to be here and to also be receiving this award – it’s a great feeling, I’m proud of myself. Everyone here should feel so proud of how far they’ve come, because everyone will have had challenges, great or small."

UHI Argyll Interim Principal, Elaine Munro, was presented with the Vice-Chancellor's Medal which recognises University staff who have made an exceptional and outstanding contribution to the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Dr Rosemary Allford, UHI Argyll Chairperson said, "Elaine was the college’s first employee, Argyll College’s foundation was in 2000 - and since then Elaine has continued to play a leading role, serving as interim Principal three times, while always remaining committed to her work transforming the lives of students."

"Elaine’s impact has been profound, particularly through her leadership in public engagement at UHI Argyll. Known for her inclusive and collaborative approach, she consistently leads by example. Elaine possesses the rare ability to translate complex learning issues into practical learning solutions that resonate with and inspire her colleagues."

On receiving the award, and with typical modesty, Elaine expressed how proud she and the staff are of all the students’ accomplishments. "This day is about student achievement, and it is one of the highlights of the student journey; a fantastic opportunity for our hard-working students, who have put in many hours enhancing their skills and knowledge, to celebrate with their friends, family and colleagues."

Find out about the wide range of subjects available at UHI Argyll here.