Hundreds of Aberdeen University students were left crestfallen when today’s summer graduation ceremony was cancelled due to coronavirus fears.
And while the graduates may not get to gather with one another in the sort of grand ceremony traditionally enjoyed for generations, university bosses have pulled out all the stops to make sure they still have an occasion to remember.
A video has been created to congratulate the students on all their hard work, with some very special names taking part.
The footage, which will be beamed online today, will feature messages from the university’s chancellor HRH the Duchess of Rothesay, the principal George Boyne and notable alumni including Dame Sue Black, journalist Adam Porter, oil and gas lawyer Timi Wolo, and energy boss Diego Bustamante.
Actor and TV presenter Sir Tony Robinson, who received an honorary degree from the university last year, will also speak to students.
And Call The Midwife actress Laura Main, who studied at the Granite City institution, will send her best wishes.
Mr Boyne will tell students they have “special reasons to celebrate their academic achievement” because they finished their studies “during exceptionally challenging times”.
HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, will tell them: “I hope that you will all hold your heads high as a degree from the University of Aberdeen will stand you in excellent stead for whatever you hope and plan to do.
“May I wish you the very best of luck for the future and please stay safe.”
In a special pull-out available in your Press and Journal tomorrow, some of this year’s graduates will open up about how they dealt with the unusual end to their studies.
The supplement will also contain the full list of this year’s Class of 2020.
