Matthew Mitchell, from Banff, graduated from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, with a Masters degree, with distinction, in Mechanical Engineering/Materials. He was also the winner of this year's Thomas A. Clark prize. In his final year at Banff Academy, he became one of only 49 pupils in the UK to win a scholarship from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. He works for Shell International in The Hague.

Julia Kennedy, Alvah, graduated from the University of Glasgow with BSc (Honours) in chemical physics and has just started a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. Her research involves designing, improving and manufacturing instrumentation for worldwide space and ground-based projects. Julia is a former pupil of Banff Primary School and Banff Academy.

Joanna Milne, of Station House, Ladysbridge, Banff, a former Banff Academy pupil, graduated as a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (Merit) from the University of Glasgow. She is now an intern at the Royal Veterinary College in London.

Trevor Kemp, Banff, graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a BA (Hons) in Integrated Product Design. He won the prize as the best student in his final year. His design to allow magazines to be re-used as shelves has been short-listed for the Glasgow Design Medal, and goes on show in the Glasgow Lighthouse towards the end of this year.

Alan Milne, Thomson Road, Banff, qualified with a Diploma in Adult Nursing at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Alan is now working as a nurse in Maud.

Eleanor Mitchell, Bracoden Terrace, Gardenstown, a former Bracoden Primary and Banff Academy pupil, was awarded a Higher National Diploma in administration and information management from Moray College, Elgin. She is now studying at The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, where she was accepted into the third year of a four-year honours management degree.

Andrew Munro, whose family hail from Banff, graduated with an Honours degree in Rural Management from Edinburgh University. His grandparents are Ella and the late Hugh Munro, formerly of Thomson Road, and Betty and the late William Elrick, Windybrae. Andrew’s parents, Stuart and Margaret, left Banff to take on the family croft near Kinlochbervie.

Heather Kennedy graduated with two vet qualifications at the Vet School in Glasgow, the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery and Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She also won the Animalcare final year student prize for consistently outstanding contributions to both student and college life during her course. Mum and dad are Lorna and Ben Kennedy, West Newton of Deershaw, Alvah. The former Banff Academy pupil starts work next month as a vet in Aberdeen.

Carrie-Ann Milne, Macduff, graduated BEd in Primary Teaching from the University of Aberdeen. She will take up an appointment at the primary school in Armadale, West Lothian, after the summer holidays.