Highland theology students celebrated years of hard work yesterday afternoon as they graduated in Dingwall.
Nearly 40 students received honours following their studies at the Highland Theological College UHI.
They were presented with their diplomas and other awards at a service at the Dingwall Free Church, close to the college building where they had studied.
Among those graduating was David Kirk, 47, the assistant minister at Kilmallie and Ardnamurchan Free Church in Caol, who was presented with a PhD in theology.
He attended the service with his wife Rachel and two children, as well as his parents Fred and Mary who had travelled from the family home in Wales for the occasion.
He said: “It’s been a long road and it’s been hard work and it is great to be here and share it with these other guys as well.
“To hear so many stories as well, some of these students have had to work so hard to be here so it’s great to hear their about their successes as well.”
Theological studies Petra Gurney was given the college’s endeavour award for her remarkable background and determination to complete her studies, having grown up in communist Romania in the 1980s.
She was adopted and moved to Scotland in 1994 and has battled to go as far in her studies as possible since then.
She said: “The first year was really difficult because I was quite ill and had problems with my stomach which was really bad.
“I’ve struggled with accommodation as well, I’ve had doubts about continuing but I’m glad to have kept going.”
Canadian-born Drew Kuzma graduated with a BA in theological studies with his wife and three children in the audience.
He is currently based near Edinburgh but is about to move to Benbecula.
Meanwhile Mirjam Murphy, 38, graduated with a BA (Hons) in theological studies, despite admitting that she only fell into studying “by accident”.
Another notable student in the class intake was Kathryn Brain from Dingwall, who is fighting against deportation to Australia with her family.
She was not present at yesterday’s ceremony but graduated with a BA in Scottish History and Archaeology.
The service in Dingwall included a guest speech by Reverend Dr Fred Drummond, the Scottish director and UK director of prayer of the Evangelical Alliance.
