Graduation Booklet 2025

GRADUATION CEREMONY Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 2.00pm Borders Events Centre – Kelso

Your College, Your Future

BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Awarding Bodies The awards being made today recognise achievements in courses approved and validated by the following bodies: Scottish Qualifications Authority Institute of the Motor Industry University of Aberdeen Heriot-Watt University

Acknowledgements Borders College is grateful to the following organisations for their support of today’s ceremony: Marston Events Borders Events Centre Borders College Hospitality Staff & Students Borders College Horticulture Staff & Students Borders College Supported Programmes Staff & Students Many thanks to Mayfield Garden Centre (Klondyke Strikes), Glebe Lane, Kelso, TD5 7AU for loaning us the plant displays

Piper Bob Liddle

Sponsors Borders Competitions, Borders Buses, Morrison Construction, Eildon Housing, Finlaysons Contracts, Muirhall Energy, St Boswells Fuels Ltd 2

BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

ABOUT THE COLLEGE The College serves one of the most diverse communities in Scotland and, as a consequence, offers one of the widest ranges of provision anywhere in the country.

The College has responded to the challenge of providing further and higher education in one of the most dispersed areas in Europe by establishing a network of high quality facilities and partnerships throughout the Borders.

The content and style of courses on offer is being continually improved and developed so that they adapt to meet the changing needs of the Borders.

Even now, developments under way include improving our partnerships with employers, other colleges and universities, so that our graduates have the best opportunities to progress on to degree programmes or to gain employment in the UK jobs market. We are also continually reviewing our range of courses so that we are providing new opportunities for everyone in our communities, both young and old. As a major employer and key economic contributor to the region, Borders College is committed to continuously making the concept of ‘Education for All’ a reality for the people of the Borders.

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BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

HONORARY FELLOWSHIP OF THE COLLEGE Bruce Aitchison Bruce Aitchison grew up in Stow, attending the local primary before moving on to Galashiels Academy. The youngest of three boys, he was inspired by the community spirit of his parents, Sandy and Susan, who were deeply involved in village life. Bruce loved the energy of a busy community and saw firsthand the value of helping others.

Sport was always a passion, with long football games in Stow park shaping his understanding of inclusion and teamwork. At Galashiels Academy, Bruce played for multiple sports teams, joined the Geography Quiz Team, supported younger pupils as a buddy, and served on the Charities Committee.

After school, Bruce studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating as a PE teacher. In 2001, he moved to Hong Kong with his girlfriend (now wife), Nichola, where he taught at an international school and coached rugby.

Living abroad opened his mind to different cultures and deepened his pride in his Scottish Borders roots. It also taught him the value of saying “yes” to new opportunities.

Returning home in 2005, Bruce worked in education until 2023, serving as PE Teacher, Guidance Teacher, Head of Department, and Deputy Head Teacher at Hawick High School. He then moved into innovation funding consultancy before joining effectivenow, delivering meta-skills courses across all nine Scottish Borders secondary schools. Bruce is passionate about helping young people build confidence and contribute positively to their communities.

Beyond education, Bruce is a highly sought-after after-dinner speaker, event host, and podcaster. He hosts the weekly Scottish Rugby News Podcast and his own podcast, Happiness is..., which was voted the second-best rugby podcast in the UK in 2023. He is also the stadium announcer and “Voice of Edinburgh Rugby.”

Bruce recently joined the board of Cash for Kids and is well known for his support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, using his popular social media platform, Happiness is Egg Shaped, to raise awareness. He is an ambassador for the Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team, supports the Edinburgh Giants Wheelchair Rugby Team, School of Hard Knocks, Cahonas Testicular Cancer Charity, and the Wooden Spoon.

Proud father of Maisie (16) and Katy (14), Bruce loves encouraging their active involvement in school and charitable activities. While honoured to receive today’s Honorary Fellowship, he credits his team, mentors, and family for giving him the support and inspiration to do what he loves.

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BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Graduation Ceremony 23rd October 2025 Order of Ceremony ACADEMIC PROCESSION Graduates and guests are asked to stand during the procession, if able to do so.

WELCOME MASTER OF CEREMONIES Dale Clancy – Head of Sector.

INTRODUCTION Ray McCowan – Chair of the Borders College Regional Board.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS Ray McCowan – Chair of the Borders College Regional Board.

Announced by David Lowe – Assistant Principal.

STUDENT AWARDS 2024-25 Bill Wilkie Memorial Award Malina Corrin Presented by Nile Istephan – Chief Executive of Eildon Housing.

Stuart Wilkie Memorial Trophy Christopher Bowern SMTA Award Kian Muir AWARD OF HONORARY FELLOW OF THE COLLEGE Bruce Aitchison Introduced by Pete Smith – Principal and CEO of Borders College.

ADDRESS Pete Smith – Principal and CEO of Borders College.

ACADEMIC PROCESSION Graduates and guests are asked to stand during the procession, if able to do so.

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BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Rural Skills Annaleigh Breau

HND Animal Care

Lara Santos

HND Animal Care

Tyler-Mai Stanley

HND Animal Care

Molly Valentine

HND Animal Care

Connie Brown

HNC Animal Care

Kara Doogan

HNC Animal Care

Abigail Picken

HNC Animal Care

Karla Purves

HNC Animal Care

Skaiste Urbonaviciute

HNC Animal Care

Rachael Walker

HNC Animal Care

STEM and Sustainable Construction Ruairidh Peace

HNC Electrical Engineering

Christopher Bowern

Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles at SCQF Level 7

Kian Muir

Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles at SCQF Level 7

Department of Enterprise and Business Innovation

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Andries Fourie

PDA Strategic Leadership

Rayna Tuft

SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management Level 4

Michelle Beattie

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 4

Eman Abdullah

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Sophie Aitchison

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Bence Csatho-Wilson

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Maddison Elliot

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Leanne Hermiston

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Laura Marshall

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Grace Martin

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Sophie Redpath

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Elizabeth Robertson

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Myah Scheibe

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Rebecca Scott

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Rebekah Sherratt

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Ava Short

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Abby Tweedy

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Katie Watson

SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3

Inga Arlauskiene

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Billy Fowler

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Shari Watson

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Caroline Brown

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Michelle Craig

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Amanda Dawson-Stevens

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Larissa Drum

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Carole Haggarty

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Sheena Hirst

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Pauline MacGowan

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Danielle Simpson

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Annie Swan

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Christine Temple

SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Fiona Brown

SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3

Jacqueline Dowds

SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3

Nathaniel Hamilton

SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3

Amy Hopkinson

SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3

Summer McGeachan

SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3

Heather McLeod

SVQ in Management Level 3

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BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Care and Sport Rosemarion Dalgliesh

HNC Childhood Practice

Jodi Darling

HNC Childhood Practice

Julia Dodds

HNC Childhood Practice

Chloe Green

HNC Childhood Practice

Brodie Jeffrey

HNC Childhood Practice

Kady Lees

HNC Childhood Practice

Kimberly Mann

HNC Childhood Practice

Zoe Pearce

HNC Childhood Practice

Alexandra Daly

HNC Healthcare Practice

Alana Galloway

HNC Social Services

Joanne Gilbertson

HNC Social Services

Marcin Kowalewczany

HNC Social Services

Scarlett Crossan Brown

HND Sports Coaching and Development

Business, Computing and Creative Industries Abigail Hinnigan

HND Business

Kriss Miller

HND Business

Melissa Paterson

HND Business

Murrin Kay West

HND Business

Kyle Cheyne

HNC Business

Klaudia Lasak

HNC Business

Olivia Patterson

HNC Business

Joshua Hastings

HNC Cyber Security

Leanne Minto

PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

Emily Smith

PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

University of Aberdeen Claire Ritchie

Teaching Qualification (Further Education)

Heriot-Watt University Ryan Wilkinson

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MA (Hons) in Business Management

Graduation Sponsors 2025

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Graduation Sponsors 2025

JOIN OUR TEAM AND STEER YOUR CAREER IN A NEW DIRECTION! We have fantastic opportunities for experienced and trainee bus drivers to join our team.

No CPC? No problem. We can get you up to date within a week!

Scan the QR code or visit craigofcampbeltowncareers.co.uk.

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Graduation Sponsors 2025

Finlayson Contracts Ltd are a local Scottish Borders-based construction company with over 80 years’ experience in specialising in the delivery of Multi Trade Contract projects.

The company undertakes a range of projects, from repairs, property maintenance, refurbishments & new builds with their in-house specialist trade sectors covering Masonry, Joinery, Roofing & Decorator, delivering public and private sector projects primarily across the south of Scotland Borders region.

Finlayson Contracts Ltd emphasises quality, safety, and sustainability in building solutions for community & development projects.

www.finlaysons.co.uk

Scan for more information Scan for more information

Morrison Morrison Construction Construction wishes wishes all all graduating graduating students students the very very best the best in in their their future future careers. careers. We We encourage encourage you to to explore explore opportunities opportunities with with us us at at Morrison Morrison you Construction. Good Good luck! luck!

Construction. morrison-construction morrison-construction

@morrisonbuilds @morrisonbuilds

morrisonconstruction.co.uk morrisonconstruction.co.uk

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Graduation Sponsors 2025

Congratulations to everyone on your graduation. Best wishes from Eildon.

We are delighted to sponsor the ceremony this year and support the Bill Wilkie MBE Award for Construction and Engineering.

As a charitable Housing Association since 1973, our mission goes beyond the high quality, affordable homes, care and supported housing we offer.

Our values – caring, committed, connected, and creative – are at the heart of everything we do.

Supporting and Strengthening our Communities

Muirhall Energy are a leading independent developer in Scotland and are proud to sponsor the Borders College Graduation this year. We are delighted to extend our congratulations to all students on your fantastic achievements. We hope that many of you bring your enthusiasm, energy and skills to our exciting renewable energy sector in the future.

www.muirhallenergy.co.uk 12

Graduation Sponsors 2025

Turning Co-Products Turning Co-Products In To Energy In To Energy

St Boswells Fuels Ltd is a feedstock company that provides feed material to Anaerobic digestion plants and farms around Scotland and north east England. We specialise in selling coSupplying sustainable material for can renewable energy. products to Anaerobic digestion feed plants so they feed the material to create methane gas for the national grid.energy.

Transforming co-products into low-carbon

e feed material for renewable energy. www.charlesfieldsfarms.co.uk Converting feedstocks into gas for the national grid.

oducts into low-carbon energy.

POWERING SCOTLAND’S TRANSITION TO A

ks into gas for the national grid.

LOW-CARBON FUTURE

WWW.CHARLESFIELDFARMS.CO.UK

OTLAND’S TRANSITION TO A -CARBON FUTURE

RLESFIELDFARMS.CO.UK 13

BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Bill Wilkie Memorial Award – Sponsored by Eildon Housing

The Bill Wilkie Memorial Award, sponsored by Eildon Housing, is presented annually at graduation to a student who demonstrates exceptional qualities in both academic and personal growth within the STEM and Sustainable Construction area. The award recipient will be selected based on the following criteria: • Attendance • Attitude • Excellence in Subject Area • Supportive of Other Students • Supporting Statement from College Staff Students who meet these criteria will be considered for this prestigious award, which recognises excellence in both academics and community engagement within the STEM and Sustainable Construction disciplines.

Graduation Crest

The main feature of the crest is a shield, representing history, establishment and heritage. The shield is split into four sections, alluding to the shires of the region. The ‘B’ and ‘C’ sections are tonally representative of the College’s corporate colours. The green section represents the predominant colour of the Borders landscape. The Saltire element stresses that the region is proudly Scottish. The shield is surmounted by a torch, the traditional symbol of learning and endeavour.

Below the crest is a rope in the form of the shires bound together with the gold thread of learning.

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BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY

Previous Honorary Fellows of the College Katie Scott Chris Ball Jodie Millar Virginia Grant Ross Dickinson Nick Bannerman Doddie Weir OBE David Stevenson CBE Wilma Brydon Gunn MBE Rosamund de la Hey Catherine Maxwell Stuart Chris Paterson MBE Andrew Seafield Grant John Collins John Alistair Buchan Gregor Townsend MBE David A G Kilshaw OBE Ian Stark OBE Tony Taylor OBE Bob Kay CBE Jill Douglas Andrew L Tulley MBE JP Sir David Steel Sir Archy Kirkwood Barbara Baker John Cleland Keith Geddes CBE

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998

Graduation Management Team Thank you to the Graduation Management team, who have helped make today’s event a great success.

Borders College is a Registered Charity (Number SC021180)

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Chair of the Board – Ray McCowan, 2024 Honorary Fellow – Katie Scott and College Principal – Pete Smith

www.borderscollege.ac.uk/graduation Borders College • Scottish Borders Campus Nether Road • Galashiels • TD1 3HE Telephone: 01896 66 26 00 Email: enquiries@borderscollege.ac.uk