GRADUATION CEREMONY
Thursday 23rd October 2025 at 2.00pm
Borders Events Centre – Kelso
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
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.
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.
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.
Annaleigh Breau
Lara Santos
Tyler-Mai Stanley
Molly Valentine
Connie Brown
Kara Doogan
Abigail Picken
Karla Purves
Skaiste Urbonaviciute
Rachael Walker
Rural Skills
HND Animal Care
HND Animal Care
HND Animal Care
HND Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
HNC Animal Care
STEM and Sustainable Construction
Ruairidh Peace
Christopher Bowern
Kian Muir
HNC Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles at SCQF Level 7
Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles at SCQF Level 7
Department of Enterprise and Business Innovation
Andries Fourie
Rayna Tuft
Michelle Beattie
Eman Abdullah
Sophie Aitchison
Bence Csatho-Wilson
Maddison Elliot
Leanne Hermiston
PDA Strategic Leadership
SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management Level 4
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 4
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
BORDERS COLLEGE GRADUATION CEREMONY
Laura Marshall
Grace Martin
Sophie Redpath
Elizabeth Robertson
Myah Scheibe
Rebecca Scott
Rebekah Sherratt
Ava Short
Abby Tweedy
Katie Watson
Inga Arlauskiene
Billy Fowler
Shari Watson
Caroline Brown
Michelle Craig
Amanda Dawson-Stevens
Larissa Drum
Carole Haggarty
Sheena Hirst
Pauline MacGowan
Danielle Simpson
Annie Swan
Christine Temple
Fiona Brown
Jacqueline Dowds
Nathaniel Hamilton
Amy Hopkinson
Summer McGeachan
Heather McLeod
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3
SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3
SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3
SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3
SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3
SVQ in Healthcare Support (Clinical) Level 3
SVQ in Management Level 3
Rosemarion Dalgliesh
Jodi Darling
Julia Dodds
Chloe Green
Brodie Jeffrey
Kady Lees
Kimberly Mann
Zoe Pearce
Alexandra Daly
Alana Galloway
Joanne Gilbertson
Marcin Kowalewczany
Scarlett Crossan Brown
Care and Sport
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Childhood Practice
HNC Healthcare Practice
HNC Social Services
HNC Social Services
HNC Social Services
HND Sports Coaching and Development
Business, Computing and Creative Industries
Abigail Hinnigan
Kriss Miller
Melissa Paterson
Murrin Kay West
Kyle Cheyne
Klaudia Lasak
Olivia Patterson
Joshua Hastings
Leanne Minto
Emily Smith
Claire Ritchie
Ryan Wilkinson
HND Business
HND Business
HND Business
HND Business
HNC Business
HNC Business
HNC Business
HNC Cyber Security
PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges
PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges
University of Aberdeen
Teaching Qualification (Further Education)
Heriot-Watt University
MA (Hons) in Business Management
Graduation
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
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
Turning Co-Products In To Energy
Turning Co-Products 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 coproducts to Anaerobic digestion plants so they can feed the material to create methane gas for the national grid.
Supplying sustainable feed material for renewable energy
Transforming co-products into low-carbon energy.
www.charlesfieldsfarms.co.uk
Converting feedstocks into gas for the national grid.
e feed material for renewable energy. oducts into low-carbon energy. ks into
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.
Previous Honorary Fellows of the College
Katie Scott 2024
Chris Ball 2023
Jodie Millar 2022
Virginia Grant 2021
Ross Dickinson 2020
Nick Bannerman 2019
Doddie Weir OBE 2018
David Stevenson CBE 2017
Wilma Brydon Gunn MBE 2016
Rosamund de la Hey 2015
Catherine Maxwell Stuart 2014
Chris Paterson MBE 2013
Andrew Seafield Grant 2012
John Collins 2011
John Alistair Buchan 2010
Gregor Townsend MBE 2009
David A G Kilshaw OBE 2008
Ian Stark OBE 2007
Tony Taylor OBE 2006
Bob Kay CBE 2005
Jill Douglas 2004
Andrew L Tulley MBE JP 2003
Sir David Steel 2002
Sir Archy Kirkwood 2001
Barbara Baker 2000
John Cleland 1999
Keith Geddes CBE 1998 BORDERS
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)
