Colin McLean, from Gardenstown, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a Bachelor of Theology degree in divinity. Colin is a former pupil of Bracoden Primary School and Banff Academy, and now lives in Cairnbulg.

Helen McRae from Portsoy graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, LLB (First Class Honours) in Law. She previously graduated with a Law and Management degree from the university in 2007 and will return in September to complete the Diploma in Legal Practice. Helen is a former pupil of Portsoy Primary and Banff Academy, and now lives in Aberdeen.

Darren McAllister, a former Whitehills Primary School and Banff Academy pupil graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English from the State University of New York at Binghamton.

Keith McGregor, from Alvah, graduated with a BSc first class honours degree in Architectural Studies at the University of Strathclyde. The former Banff Academy pupil won the Glasgow School of Architecture Jubilee prize for best student in final honours year, and the Frank Arneil Walker BSc Dissertation prize. He is currently working in an architects' practice in Glasgow, and returns to the university in September to complete his postgraduate diploma.

Lauren MacRae, a former Banff Academy pupil, has graduated in medicine. She is the third member of her family to embark on a doctor's career, following big sister Alanna, and her father Dr Roddy MacRae, a Banff GP. She took her MBChB at Dundee, and starts work at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary next month.

Denise McKinnon from Macduff graduated with a Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing (children's nursing) from the Robert Gordon University. Denise is a former pupil of Macduff Primary and Banff Academy. Her parents, Donald and Lilian, live in Market Place, Macduff.

Helen McRae, from Portsoy, a former Banff Academy pupil, graduated from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Management. Helen is about to start a LLB (Hons) in Law at the university.

Eilidh Macleod graduated MBChB, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, from the University of Manchester to complete her medical degree. She has also a BSc in Medical Science from the University of St Andrews. Eilidh, from Glassaugh Lodge, Fordyce, is now working at a hospital in Manchester.

Jacqueline McGregor, Alvah, graduated B Ed (Hons) in Primary Teaching from the University of Aberdeen. The former pupil of Banff Primary is now on the other side of the teacher’s desk at Pitlochry, Perthshire.

Alanna MacRae, Inverboyndie has completed her MBChB degree at Dundee University, keeping up a family tradition. Her father, Dr Roddy MacRae, is a GP in the Banff and Gamrie medical practice. Alanna is now working at Accident and Emergency at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Marcia Mackie, Banff, is now teaching in Huntly after graduating BEd (Hons) in primary teaching from Aberdeen University.

Iain McLardy, Banff, graduated from Aberdeen University with two medical degrees – MBCh.B and a BSc in Medical Science. He is starting his career as a doctor in the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

Jennifer McKilligan, Nether Backieley, Aberchirder, graduated BSc (Honours) in Animal Science from the University of Aberdeen. She is now working at the Rural Affairs Department in Thainstone as an agricultural officer.

Lyn McKay, Campbell Street, Banff, graduated BA in Sport and Physical Activity from the University of Strathclyde. Lyn (21), who worked at Princess Royal in Banff on the children’s summer activity programmes, is now employed as a children’s instructor and gym instructor at the David Lloyd racquet sports and fitness complex in Aberdeen.