Graduation and Awards Ceremony 2026
UHI Perth celebrated the achievements of over 300 graduates and award winners at our 2026 Graduation and Awards Ceremony, held at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 8 October. Degrees, diplomas, certificates and special awards were presented as students marked the successful completion of their studies.
Catherine Etri
Catherine Etri, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Perth, congratulated the graduates, saying: “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.”
It was a wonderful day celebrating our graduates and award winners!
Principal and Vice-Chancellor Vicki Nairn shared a message with graduates:
“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.
Vicki Nairn
“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.”
Guest speaker Mark Scott, Co-founder of Bella & Duke, delivered an inspiring address to graduates:
Mark is a Scottish entrepreneur, investor, mentor and speaker and is the co-founder and former CEO of Bella & Duke, one of the UK’s leading natural pet food companies.
Mark, Alfie and Teddy
Under Mark’s leadership, Bella & Duke became one of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses. The company was named among the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders, as one of just five Scottish businesses recognised in the 2023 LDC Top 50. It was also included in the Sunday Times Hundred 2023, celebrating Britain’s fastest-growing private companies, and the inaugural Scotland Fast Growth 50 index.
Mark began his career in sales after leaving school without formal qualifications before continuing his education at college. Diagnosed with dyslexia later in life, he has become a passionate advocate for recognising different forms of intelligence and helping people see that the qualities they believe hold them back can often become their greatest strengths.
He is an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Edinburgh, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year winner, an investor and adviser to growing businesses, and a passionate supporter of founders and young entrepreneurs.
Having stepped away from the day-to-day leadership of Bella & Duke, Mark now spends much of his time helping people and businesses grow while developing Torus Tree, a wellbeing and personal development centre in Perthshire.
His work is centred on courage, curiosity, resilience and the belief that there is no single route to a successful or meaningful life.
Corben Bruce - HISA Perth Depute President 2026-27 – shared his thoughts on the last year
“Congratulations to each of you for successfully completing your studies at UHI Perth.
Corben Bruce
“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.
“This year has been another fantastic one for the student community. Working in partnership with UHI Perth staff, HISA has delivered a wide range of activities and events designed to enhance the student experience, from social events and celebrations to opportunities for students to get involved in shaping campus life.
“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.”
We streamed the full ceremony live on YouTube, you can see it below!
We captured the whole day, to remember for years to come!
Catherine concluded the ceremony by wishing graduates every success for the future:
“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.”
Catherine Etri, UHI Perth Interim Principal and Chief Executive.
