Graduation 2026

Published: Fri 4 September, 2026

Group of graduates celebrating outside the Borders Events Centre

Borders College recently celebrated its Graduation 2026 ceremony, honouring the exceptional achievements of its students.

The much-anticipated event took place this month at the Borders Events Centre in Kelso. Having worked incredibly hard to complete their courses, it was time to recognise and celebrate the accomplishments and successes of everyone over the last year.

As part of the ceremony, the Honorary Fellowship of the College was awarded this year to Suzanne Mullholland. Suzanne, known as The Batch Lady, is a bestselling author, TV presenter and organisation expert from the Scottish Borders. Through her meal-preparation methods, books and television work, she helps families save time, reduce waste, manage budgets and live more efficiently.

This year’s ceremony was made possible by the kind donations of the College’s sponsors, including Charlesfield Farms, Eildon Housing, Floors Castle, MKM Building Supplies, Morrison Construction, Mott MacDonald, Safe Services, and Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA).

Four graduates standing inside the borders events centre

Chair of the Borders College Regional Board, Ray McCowan, welcomed graduates and guests, saying:

“This is the best day in the Borders College calendar. It is the day when the College comes together to acknowledge and recognise the achievements of its students. There is nothing more satisfying for an educator than to reflect on the past year, to remember what students were like in their first few days and weeks in College, and then to see them now: confident, competent and ready to take on whatever the world holds for them next.

“College is a challenging time for any student. Typically, they are juggling study with part-time work and, if they have any time or money left over, trying to catch up with family and friends. In spite of all these challenges, today’s graduates have overcome them all and have truly earned the right to collect their certificates.”

College staff presenting certificates to graduates on stage

College Principal and CEO, Pete Smith, congratulated the graduates, saying:

“Graduation is a celebration of success and a reminder of what makes Borders College such a special community. Our graduates are at the heart of everything we do, and their achievements are a testament to their hard work, dedication and the support of their families, friends and College staff. 

“As they move into employment, further study, self-employment, travel or their next challenge, they take with them the skills, experience and confidence developed during their time with us. We are incredibly proud of each graduate and look forward to following their stories as they continue to make a positive contribution to the Scottish Borders and beyond.”

Pete also presented this year’s Honorary Fellowship to Suzanne Mullholland.

Inspired by her experience as a busy working mother in the Scottish Borders, Suzanne developed a practical batch-cooking system that helps people save time, reduce food waste and manage household budgets. 

A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Suzanne has written eight books, including six Sunday Times bestsellers. Through her Channel 4 series Batch From Scratch, media appearances and charitable work, she continues to inspire families to live more organised, efficient lives.

The Graduation was a brilliant way to highlight the end of an amazing chapter in the life of the students, and the College was delighted to see everyone enjoying their day.

This year's ceremony saw the Bill Wilkie Memorial Award presented to Erin Moffat in recognition of her outstanding achievement and personal development within HNC Electrical Engineering. Erin showed dedication, resilience, and a strong commitment to her studies, continually developing her skills and confidence. Her positive attitude and determination have made her a valued member of the student community, making her a deserving recipient of this award.

Awards were also presented to Harry Oliver, recipient of the Stuart Wilkie Memorial Trophy and the Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) Award. Harry was selected for the awards in recognition of his outstanding commitment, professionalism, and positive contribution throughout his studies. Harry consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, excellent technical ability, and a willingness to support both his peers and the wider department, making him a deserving recipient of these awards.

 

Ray McCowan added:

“Whatever career or life decisions you make in the months and years ahead, I have no doubt that you will be successful. Just remember, you didn’t get this qualification today by accident; you made it happen!

“It might be called a graduation, but above all it’s a celebration. Enjoy your moment on the stage today because you truly have earned it, and in years to come, look back on today as a very special day you will always remember.”

Two Borders College staff members standing alongside Honorary Fellow Suzanne Mulholland

Pictured above, from left to right, are Borders College Principal and CEO Pete Smith, Honorary Fellow Suzanne Mulholland, and Chair of the Borders College Regional Board Ray McCowan.

Graduation Photos

View the full range of images from the Graduation 26 Ceremony on Facebook here.

Photos
photo of the graduates and guests and the borders college graduation ceremony

The Bill Wilkie Award

The Bill Wilkie MBE Award for construction and engineering goes to Erin Moffat.

Read more (external website)
Photo of a student being presented an award on stage at the borders college graduation

Graduates from this year’s ceremony are listed in their department areas below:

Liam Gillespie - HNC Electrical Engineering

Erin Moffat - HNC Electrical Engineering

Konrad Moller - HNC Electrical Engineering

Finley Partington - HNC Electrical Engineering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sam Chapman - HND Business

Jodi Liddle - HND Business

Zakariya Mehrban - HND Business

Katie Murrin - HND Business

Nicole Girdwood - HNC Business

Sarah Macleod - HNC Business

Wynter Crosbie - SVQ in Business and Administration Level 4

Rocky Horne - HNC Computing

Oleksii Vorov - HNC Computing

Craig Black - HNC Cyber Security

Gregor Copland - HNC Cyber Security

Mitchel Robertson - HNC Cyber Security

Callum Turnbull-Hewson - HNC Cyber Security

Graham Tyson - SVQ in Management Level 3

Katherine Blair - HND Counselling

Claire Hamilton - HND Counselling

Paige Kennaway - HND Counselling

Lorna Kennedy - HND Counselling

Jennifer Mitchell - HND Counselling

Bryony Muirhead - HND Counselling

Caroline Steel - HND Counselling

Clare Tyler - HND Counselling

Kerri Blick - HNC Childhood Practice

Jena Dodds - HNC Childhood Practice

Joanne Gilbertson - HNC Childhood Practice

Caitlin Hastie - HNC Childhood Practice

Nicole Hughes - HNC Childhood Practice

Leah Kerr - HNC Childhood Practice

Leanne Law - HNC Childhood Practice

Emma Lees - HNC Childhood Practice

Taylor-Jane McGlashan - HNC Childhood Practice

Bethany McGowan - HNC Childhood Practice

Sophie Milligan - HNC Childhood Practice

Cassie Potts - HNC Childhood Practice

Zoe Stillwell - HNC Childhood Practice

Sarah Crowhurst - HNC Healthcare Practice

Tamzin Maben - HNC Healthcare Practice

Tuesday Ritchie - HNC Healthcare Practice

Laura Sykes - HNC Healthcare Practice

Reiah Cameron - HNC Social Services

Beata Cieplucha - HNC Social Services

Malgorzata Pilat - HNC Social Services

Laia Reid - HNC Social Services

Lucee Scott - HNC Social Services

Jasmine Sharp - HNC Social Services

Stephenie Fontaine - PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

Stuart Inglis - PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

Ann Letham - PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

Clair Young - PDA Teaching Practice in Scotland’s Colleges

Julie Anderson - SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management Level 4

Debbie Hardcastle - SVQ in Care Services Leadership and Management Level 4

Makeilah Scipio - SVQ in Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical) Level 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lorna Aitchison - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Penny Johnson - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Shelley Pretswell - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 4

Georgia Barber - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Rachel Barraclough - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Dominika Czlonka - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Claire Fisher - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Alisha Harris - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Rhiannon Johnstone - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Fawad Ali Khan - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Teresa Knevett - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Awele Ovili - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Manzoor ul Haq - SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare Level 3

Heidi Barrett - HNC Agriculture

Bethany Scott - HNC Agriculture

Scarlett Boyle - HNC Animal Care

Hannah Crawford - HNC Animal Care

Beth Duncan - HNC Animal Care

Travis Edmunds - HNC Animal Care

Imogen Jamieson - HNC Animal Care

Heather Newton - HNC Animal Care

Lois Ritchie - HNC Animal Care

Andrew Brown - Teaching Qualification (Further Education)

Thomas Hewitson - Teaching Qualification (Further Education)

Ana Macedo-Brown - Teaching Qualification (Further Education)

Rachel Sutherland - Teaching Qualification (Further Education)

Graphic showing the logos of the companies who sponsored graduation 2026

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