Graduates celebrated at 2026 Graduation and Awards Ceremony
Held at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 8 October 2026.
More than 327 graduates and award winners were celebrated at the UHI Perth Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2026. Degrees, diplomas, certificates and special awards were presented as students marked the successful completion of their studies.
Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Perth, congratulating the graduates, said: “It is my great pleasure to welcome you, your families, friends and supporters to this special celebration of achievement. Graduation is one of the most important and rewarding occasions in the UHI Perth calendar. Today, we come together to recognise your hard work, commitment and resilience, and to celebrate everything you have accomplished during your time with us.
“This ceremony marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Whether you are progressing into employment, continuing your studies, starting a new career, or pursuing personal ambitions, you leave UHI Perth with valuable knowledge, skills and experiences that will support you in the years ahead."
Amy Owens received the ‘UHI Perth Student of the Year Award’ during the ceremony. Her achievement reflects an outstanding educational journey, having progressed from the Level 4 Next Steps programme without formal qualifications to achieving a First-Class Honours degree in Sociology and Politics. She was selected for the award in recognition of her exceptional academic achievement, resilience and contribution to the university community.
Growing up in foster care, Amy overcame significant personal challenges while balancing motherhood and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout her studies she maintained excellent academic performance, earned praise for her originality and critical thinking, and was recognised for supporting fellow students and fostering a positive learning environment. Her dissertation was described by her supervisor as “groundbreaking”.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Amy said: “The encouragement and unwavering support of my lecturers have allowed me to progress and achieve things I never thought possible. and I hope I can maintain the same standards in my postgraduate studies!”
Kirsten Taylor, a third-year BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation student, received the ‘UHI Sportsperson of the Year Award 2026’ in the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) Sporting Blues. A talented judo athlete, Kirsten secured gold at the 2026 VI German Open and has represented Scotland on multiple occasions. Having previously been awarded a UHI Sporting Blue in 2024, Kirsten has amassed an impressive collection of international medals from competitions in Kazakhstan, Egypt and the Netherlands, cementing her reputation as one of Scotland's leading athletes in her sport.
Sam Baillie, who graduated from UHI Perth with a BA (Hons) Scottish History in 2017, received the ‘2026 UHI Alumni of the Year Award’. Since graduating, Sam has built a successful career with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) in Glasgow, where he has played a key role in developing and expanding access to mental health services across Scotland. The award recognises his professional achievements and positive contribution to communities nationwide.
Vikki Cuthbert, who graduated with an HNC Construction Management in 2024, received the ‘UHI Perth Alumnus of the Year Award’. A former police officer, Vikki embarked on a career change into construction and civil engineering in her forties while raising two children and navigating personal challenges. Through determination, professionalism and academic excellence, she quickly established herself as one of the strongest students in her cohort, graduating top of her class and earning recognition for both her technical ability and leadership.
Her success led to two significant opportunities: a place on University of Abertay’s Masters degree in Environmental and Civil Engineering and a permanent position with leading construction company BAM after completing her placement. Since joining BAM, Vikki has worked on projects across Scotland and has earned a reputation as a highly capable and dependable professional. Balancing her studies, a full-time role as a trainee civil engineer and the responsibilities of being a single parent, she continues to pursue her ambition of becoming a civil engineer specialising in environmental and renewable infrastructure. Vikki remains a valued ambassador for UHI Perth, regularly supporting recruitment events and inspiring others considering a career change to follow in her footsteps.
Saga Turid Alexander, who graduated with a BA Childhood Practice with Distinction, received the ‘UHI Perth Award for Exceptional Academic and Personal Achievement 2026’. The award recognises not only academic excellence but also personal perseverance and meaningful engagement with the wider university community. Judges unanimously agreed that Saga demonstrated the qualities the award seeks to celebrate.
Creative achievement was also recognised with the presentation of the ‘UHI Perth Eventide Album of the Year Award’ to Finlay Keenan, who graduated with a BSc Audio Engineering with First Class Honours. A Scottish DJ, audio engineer and multi-genre producer, Finlay has established himself within Glasgow's underground electronic music scene through his distinctive blend of jazz, techno, house and electro. His work has gained support from leading artists including Hudson Mohawke, Ewan McVicar and Denis Sulta, while releases on labels such as 99cts Records and Hidden Love have attracted industry acclaim.
Professor Brian Williams, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Presiding Officer, also shared a special message with graduands: “On behalf of everyone at UHI, I want to congratulate you and say how proud we are of what you have achieved. It is a privilege to share this day with you, your family, and everyone who supported you along the way. Today we celebrate your success, and your achievement stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished through hard work, encouragement and ambition.
“You are now part of a vibrant and growing UHI alumni community. Please stay in touch and share your journey with us. We look forward to seeing the many ways you will contribute to our regions, and beyond. Congratulations once again. We wish you every success and happiness as you take your next steps."
This year's guest speaker, Mark Scott, entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of Bella+Duke, delivered an inspiring address to graduates. Mark shared his personal journey from leaving school without formal qualifications to building one of the UK's fastest-growing pet food companies. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, he spoke about recognising different forms of intelligence and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. His message focused on courage, curiosity, resilience and the belief that there is no single route to success.
Representing the student body, Corben Bruce, HISA Perth Depute President 2026-27, reflected on the achievements of the student community over the past year. He said: “Congratulations to each of you for successfully completing your studies at UHI Perth. This is a significant achievement and a moment to be proud of. Your graduation marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance and hard work. It is also a celebration shared with the staff who have supported your learning and the family and friends who have encouraged you every step of the way.
“As you leave UHI Perth, we hope you take with you not only the knowledge and skills gained through your studies, but also the friendships, experiences and memories created along the way. On behalf of everyone at HISA, thank you for being part of our student community. We wish you every success and happiness in the future and look forward to seeing all that you achieve."
The ceremony celebrated achievements across a broad range of subjects and disciplines while recognising exceptional accomplishments in academia, sport, culture and community impact. Family members, friends, staff and invited guests joined graduates to mark this significant milestone.
Concluding the ceremony, Catherine encouraged graduates to remain connected with the university community. She added: “As graduates of UHI Perth, you will always remain part of our community. We look forward to hearing about your future achievements and hope you will stay connected with us as your personal and professional journeys continue.
“On behalf of everyone at UHI Perth, congratulations on your success. We are incredibly proud of what you have achieved and wish you every happiness and success in the future.”