An Aviemore man has picked up an Adult Achievement Award after turning his life around through education.
Iain Curruthers, 34, suffers from Irlen Syndrome, a condition that makes it difficult to process visual information.
He was bullied at school for not being able to read as a result of undiagnosed dyslexia.
But Mr Curruthers overcame personal obstacles including severe anxiety and low self-confidence to complete the award at Inverness College UHI’s Falcon Centre,
Spurred on by his new-found confidence, Iain has become a volunteer in Aviemore’s Sue Ryder charity shop.
He explained: “The Adult Achievement Award is about giving people a second chance in life and helping people learn important life skills as well as try new things.
“I was bullied at school because I couldn’t read and when I left with few qualifications I ended up getting into trouble and gaining my education from the street.
“The award gives you confidence and encourages you to think about yourself and reflect on your experiences and what you have learned from them.”
As a result of its life-changing potential, Inverness College UHI is ambitious for the programme to become more widely available to adult learners across Scotland.
Mr Curruthers, an ambassador for the award, added: “I feel really positive about the future. It would be fantastic if more people could benefit from this excellent opportunity.”
Literacies Development Tutor at Inverness College UHI, Anne Walters, said: “Iain came to an Open Day at The Falcon Centre and was very, very anxious. His dyslexia and visual stress difficulties were very obvious and so we have been able to accommodate these particular needs.
“It has been a privilege for me to watch him transform into a confident, proactive person who reflects on his own experience to help and guide his peers.
“Other students happily ask Iain for help; he deserves to be very proud of his achievements. Feedback from the conferences where he spoke to lecturers and college managers described him as “inspirational.”
