Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal joins UHI in celebrating nursing and optometry graduates at special ceremony

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) welcomed 600 guests to Eden Court in Inverness on Thursday 14 November, for the graduation ceremony of over 130 nursing and optometry students from its Inverness and Stornoway campuses. The event was presided over by UHI’s Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

This year’s ceremony was particularly significant, as it featured the first graduating class of the BSc (Hons) Optometry programme. The event began with a procession of the academic party led by macebearer Dr Godwin Ovenseri-Ogbomo, Senior Lecturer in Optometry.

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, opened the ceremony, expressing pride in the graduates’ accomplishments:

“Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the lives of our nursing and optometry graduates. Their achievements are a testament not only to their hard work and commitment but also to the unwavering support they have received throughout their journey.”

Professor Melaine Coward, Specialist Advisor for Education and Quality Assurance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council was the guest speaker. A leading figure in healthcare leadership and education, Professor Coward acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and hard work and highlighted the importance of ongoing professional development.

Several special awards were presented during the ceremony to recognise the exceptional contributions and achievements of students and staff.

The Princess Royal presented the prestigious Chancellor’s Medal to Emeritus Professor Neil Simco. Professor Simco, who retired in 2024 as UHI’s Deputy Principal Academic and Research, received the award in recognition of contributions to UHI’s research, tertiary education strategies, and Gaelic language initiatives.   

Additional honours included the Chancellor’s Nursing Award, presented to Gemma Mackay from Golspie, who completed a BSc in Adult Nursing. Gemma was recognised for her resilience, commitment, and outstanding performance as a nursing student, despite facing significant personal challenges.  She said:

“The course was challenging for me at times. I’ve had a lot going on in my personal life over the last few years, but I got there. I wouldn't be here today without the reassurance and support of Danni, my personal academic tutor. I am honoured to have been nominated for the Chancellor’s Nursing Award and overwhelmed that I won!”

The UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences Student of the Year, as well as the UHI Overall Student of the Year, was awarded to Lou Hyett-Collins from Fochabers. Lou, who completed a BSc in Adult Nursing, was selected for her exceptional dedication to nursing, high academic performance, and advocacy work on issues such as student finance, workforce conditions and nursing education funding. Lou said:

“I’m both excited and proud to be graduating from UHI as an adult nurse. I absolutely loved the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the academic challenge, as well as the opportunities and rewards the course has provided. It’s been challenging at times, but the support from all the lecturers has been fantastic. Being a smaller university allows for a personal touch and the chance to really get to know fellow students and lecturers — I’ve made friends for life. 

Speaking about her both of her Student of the Year awards, she added:

"I’m delighted, grateful and honoured to have won these awards. I’ve had such a wide range of rewarding opportunities through UHI. I’ve relished advocating for my peers and representing Scotland on the Royal College of Nursing student committee. Advocacy is such an important part of nursing and one of the reasons I became a nurse. I’m now looking forward to my new role as a community nurse, and long-term, hope to contribute to future nurse education.”

Following the ceremony, graduates joined in a traditional procession around Inverness Cathedral, led by piper and UHI Gaelic Officer, DJ MacIntyre, before returning to Eden Court for a celebratory reception.

Professor Nicola Carey, Head of the Centre for Rural Health Sciences, closed the ceremony with warm congratulations to all graduates:

“On behalf of UHI, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of you. It has been an honour to witness our graduates, their friends, families, and colleagues come together to celebrate this milestone. We are incredibly proud of you and all you have accomplished.”