Graduation day for New College students

Boyd Tunnock receives his fellowship from New College Lanarkshire.

Certificates and diplomas were handed out at two ceremonies with five students, including Karen Yuill and Callum Sellar from the Motherwell campus, receiving an Award for Academic Excellence.

For the first time, two  fellowships award were given to prominent Lanarkshire figures, Uddingston businessman Boyd Tunnock and Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland.

Mr Tunnock, head of Tunnock’s which is famous for its teacakes and caramel logs, addressed students before receiving his award.

The graduates heard how Mr Tunnock attended night school to learn his trade as a baker and has since grown the company to export biscuits across the world.

Mr Mulholland was honoured after working with Legal Services students on a guide to Scots Law for refugees and asylum seekers.

Proceedings were rounded off by The Lynchpins  and The Latecomers, two bands formed by Music graduates.

College principal Martin McGuire said: “It is an honour to celebrate the hard work and dedication shown by our students at this high point in our academic calendar.

“On behalf of all staff of New College Lanarkshire I would like to congratulate every single one of our graduates on their success in attaining their chosen qualification.

“Having Frank Mulholland and Boyd Tunnock address our students will, I hope, act an inspiration that goals are achievable with focus and commitment. I wish all of our graduates the greatest luck for the future as they begin their journey into the workplace or further studies.”

For a full list of all the graduates from the Motherwell campus see November 23 edition of the Times & Speaker.