First visit to varsity for north dentist

A 50-YEAR-OLD dentist who has been studying at Aberdeen University on and off for 15 years graduated yesterday – having never previously set foot on the campus.

Chris Halliday, of Castleton, Milton of Leys, Inverness, collected his degree in Scottish studies after completing the course via distance learning through the university’s centre for lifelong learning.

Mr Halliday, who first graduated with a bachelor of dental surgery degree from Dundee University 27 years ago, said studying was no burden for him.

“I have treated it as a hobby. Today is the reward at the end of it,” he said. “If you have got a passion for a subject, you should just go for it. If you enjoy it, it’s not a chore coming home at night to study.”

Mr Halliday first came across distance learning in 1994 when he embarked on a certificate in Strathspey studies, which he decided to do because his mother was from the area and he had many fond memories of times spent there on holiday.

He went on to complete a diploma in local studies before undertaking his masters which focused on genealogy, all via the internet with the support of the university’s dedicated distance learning centres in Inverness and Grantown.

The academia enthusiast, who says studying is completely different from his working life, really enjoyed visiting the university campus in person.

“It’s great,” he said. “It’s perfect weather as well. It has just been a great day and at such a famous university.”