A top Highland League footballer added to his achievements yesterday after graduating with an HNC in mechanical engineering.
Huntly FC central midfielder Glenn Murison received his certificate at North East Scotland College’s (Nescol) graduation ceremony in Aberdeen.
The 21-year-old created history earlier this year when he was voted the club’s Fans’ Player of the Year for a record fourth time.
And what makes it all the more impressive is that for the past two years he has combined his footballing exploits with studying at Nescol in the city on day release from his apprenticeship as a mechanical operator in the oil and gas industry.
He told the Press and Journal: “Combining football with studying has been challenging.
“I’m committed to my football, but there’s been a lot of travelling back and forth between Huntly and Aberdeen for both college and training, with a lot of nights taken up and obviously Saturdays as well.
“It’s been hard going at times.
“But it’s what I’ve taken on and I’ve managed to achieve what I want to, so I’m happy.”
He added: “I’d like to progress as much as I can within the industry.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, right throughout school.
“If I could do that while travelling the world, that would be my ideal future.
“I want to continue to try and get the best of both worlds.
“I don’t want to give up my football. To be able to do both would be perfect.”
After being played in by a piper, more than 300 graduates received their awards at the Hilton Treetops Hotel as proud family and friends watched on.
Principal Liz McIntyre said: “Every graduate should feel incredibly proud on the occasion of their graduation.
“They are a credit to themselves and the college is very proud to have been part of their success.”
