UHI celebrates student success and honours outstanding contributions at 2025 graduation ceremony
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) celebrated the achievements of 111 graduates at its graduation ceremony at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness, yesterday (Thursday 13 November 2025).
For the first time, graduates from UHI’s Centre for Rural Health Sciences and the Centre for History, came together, with family, friends, and staff to mark the completion of their studies, across a wide range of subjects, including nursing, optometry, and history.
The ceremony also recognised two individuals with Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to Scottish culture and to the economic life of the Highlands and Islands.
Alistair Dodds CBE, former Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, received an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his long-standing service and leadership. Reflecting on almost three decades of involvement with UHI, he said it was a “great honour” to receive the honour and that he was “well-chuffed!”
Encouraging graduates to seize new opportunities, he said:
“Attitude means so much to employers, always be willing to try new things. Never stop learning and remember there’s no one right way into the world of work.”
He added:
“With the associated opportunities now emerging across the region, from Shetland to Argyll, there has never been a better time to graduate. I would encourage you to stay, we need you here to take up the multiple and varied opportunities. You most certainly are the future.”
International bestselling author Diana Gabaldon was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her contribution to literature and the global celebration of Scottish culture and heritage through her acclaimed ‘Outlander’ series.
She described her journey from scientist to novelist, and how a kilted character on ‘Doctor Who’ inspired her first book. She encouraged graduates to take chances and follow their instincts, noting that curiosity, courage, and a willingness to begin, even without knowing where it will lead, can take them further than they imagine:
“If there’s something you want to do in life… start doing it, and see what happens.”
Diana’s presence made the day especially meaningful for Dr Alexandra Dold, who received her PhD at the ceremony for a thesis examining ‘Outlander’ as public history. As a ‘Doctor of Outlander’, her work is the first to focus solely on Gabaldon’s novels and their narrative strategies.
Jennifer England, a PhD student from Lochgilphead, was presented with the UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences Student of the Year Award for her outstanding academic performance, research impact and commitment to co-production in dementia care.
Saud Badshah from Blackburn, West Lothian, graduated with a BSc (Hons) Optometry and received The Essilor Prize for the best final-year optometry dissertation.
Matthew McCreadie from Inverness, a supported education student at UHI Inverness and a member of the Down Syndrome Swimming GB team, collected his Half Blue Award, presented by the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association (HISA) in partnership with UHI, in recognition of his sporting achievements at national level.
The student vote of thanks was delivered by Lee Whittaker from Forres, who graduated with a BSc Mental Health Nursing with Distinction and received the Chancellor’s Nursing Award 2025. The award celebrates excellence, compassion and dedication in nursing. Lee was praised as a model student whose professionalism, resilience and support for others made an outstanding contribution to his course. Despite facing personal challenges, he showed remarkable determination and commitment to improving mental health care.
The event also celebrated the first cohort of MSc Rural Advanced Practice graduates, a new programme developed in partnership with NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to support the development of rural healthcare professionals.
Presiding over the ceremony, Vicki Nairn, UHI’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, congratulated the class of 2025 on their achievements and resilience, highlighting UHI’s continued growth and success, including sector-leading student satisfaction results across Scotland.
“Your dedication exemplifies the strength, compassion and excellence that define UHI graduates. You have faced change and challenge with remarkable determination and have turned those experiences into opportunities for innovation and growth.”
She also commended UHI’s staff, students and partners for their contribution to research, teaching and regional impact.
The ceremony was followed by a reception for graduates, families and guests, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.