A host of Scottish stars today helped South Lanarkshire College’s Class of 2020 students celebrate their graduation.  Nearly 800 students received their qualification at this year’s Virtual Graduation ceremony.

Former East Kilbride resident Lorraine Kelly and host of ITV’s “Lorraine”; A Place in the Sun and Animal Park presenter Jean Johannson; MSP Linda Fabiani; Clyde One’s Callum Gallacher; and Hilary Kidd, Smart Services Director at Young Scot, all sent messages of congratulations to the students who graduated in a range of career-focused qualifications.

These including Business, HR, Legal, Healthcare, Social Services, Construction Management, Childhood Practice, Hospitality Management, Events, Travel and Tourism, Beauty Therapy and Photography.

In her message, Lorraine Kelly told the students: “I know this wasn’t the graduation that you wanted or that you hoped for but I just wanted to say congratulations, you’ve done amazing things.  This has been a crazy year and hopefully next year you can have a proper celebration.  You deserve it.”

A Place in The Sun star, Jean Johannson, said: “You have all surpassed yourselves.  I sincerely and genuinely wish you all lots of luck for the future.”

Linda Fabiani, MSP, said: “Well done everyone.  It’s been a really hard year for the Class of 2019/2020 but you have surpassed yourselves.  Good luck for your future.”

The Herald:

Principal and CEO of South Lanarkshire College, Aileen McKechnie, pictured above, commented:

“Despite the global pandemic, despite the extraordinary public challenge which we all face, nearly 800 of our wonderful students still managed to successfully complete their studies.  We are so proud of their perseverance and determination to work towards achieving their qualifications.  The drive and commitment our students have shown will stand them in great stead for the next chapter of their lives and we wish them every success for the future.”

This article appears as part of The Herald's The Future Of Education campaign, in association with South Lanarkshire College.

If you would like to become a partner in our Future of Education Series, contact Stephen McDevitt, Head of Digital and Branded Content campaign@heraldandtimes.co.uk