Celebrating Success at Graduation 2025

The achievements of UHI Argyll students were celebrated on Friday 26th September at a special Graduation and Celebration of Success ceremony held at the Queen’s Hall, Dunoon. This year, 65 graduates from across Argyll and the islands gathered with family, friends, staff, and guests to mark the completion of their studies across Further Education, Higher Education, and Modern Apprenticeships.

The ceremony welcomed guest speaker Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, who reflected on her career across broadcasting, community development, and politics, and praised the hard work, determination and perseverance shown by UHI Argyll’s students. 

Prize winners announced on the day were: 

• Schools Link Student of the Year – Nyah McBride from Hermitage Academy. 

• Further Education Students of the Year – Alyssa McGarrie from the Isle of Arran and Stephanie Kemp from the Isle of Bute. 

• Higher Education Student of the Year – Helen Smith from Dunoon. 

• Modern Apprentice of the Year – Kacper Kasperowicz from the Isle of Gigha. 

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from UHI Argyll Chair, Dr Rosemary Allford, followed by a traditional piping recessional. 

Speaking after the event Joe Wright, Principal of UHI Argyll said ‘’Graduation is always one of the highlights of our academic year, and this ceremony was no exception. Our students have worked incredibly hard, often balancing study with jobs, family commitments and the noise of modern life.  We are especially proud of prize winners, whose dedication and enthusiasm has consistently shone through.  They are wholly representative of all of our graduates, and we applaud each of them.  Our graduates embody the talent, resilience and potential of our communities across Argyll, and we look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve.”  

UHI Argyll is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership, offering further and higher education across Argyll and the islands through 8 learning centres. With courses ranging from entry-level to degree and postgraduate study, the college supports local communities, employers, and individuals to access education close to home.