Hundreds of graduands crowded the plaza outside Perth Concert Hall to welcome the Princess Royal to the Perth College UHI graduation ceremony.
With Perth and District Pipe Band playing the Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant Brigadier Mel Jameson, was greeted by Provost Liz Grant and college principal Margaret Munckton.
The 330 Perth College UHI graduates and award winners, together with friends and family, heard an address by the Princess Royal before being presented with their degrees, diplomas, certificates and awards.
Ms Munckton told the gathering on Thursday they were “delighted” that their royal visitor had agreed to preside over the graduation ceremony.
“This is a special day, rewarding our graduands for their success, efforts and commitment during their studies, together with their family and friends,” she said.
“We work hard to ensure our students leave us with the knowledge and skills to pursue their chosen careers, as well as having happy memories of our friendly and expert staff, vibrant campus and the friendships that develop with fellow students.
“I sincerely hope all our graduates have had a truly memorable day and I wish them every success for the future.”
Gordon Shedden, British Touring Cars Champion (BTCC), 2012 and 2015 was keynote speaker.
He began his racing career in 1998 and in 2012, became only the third Scottish driver ever to lift the BTCC laurels.
This year’s ceremony also incorporated the University of the Highlands and Islands Foundation Day, an annual event which celebrates the contributions and successes of university students, staff and supporters.
Awards were presented to the Scottish mountaineer, mountain search and rescuer, author and advisor, Dr Hamish MacInnes OBE, and to Lewis Vernal, vice-principal (operations and finance) and company secretary at Highland Theological College UHI.
For the first time, the graduation ceremony was broadcast live on the Perth College UHI website, allowing relatives and friends to watch it anywhere in the world.
