Karen Stuart graduated PhD in Genetics from the University of Newcastle. The former Portsoy Primary School and Banff Academy pupil now lives in Tyne and Wear. Parents Alan and Iris Stuart stay in Turriff.

Erin Smith from Banff, who is a former Banff Academy pupil, graduated with an LLB (Honours) law degree from the University of Aberdeen.

John Stephen from Macduff in his new uniform of the 3rd Parachute Regiment, following his passing-out at Catterick. The 22 year old now goes on to parachute jump training. John's mother and father, Patricia and John, live in Church Street, Macduff.

Simone Shearer from Portsoy graduated with an honours degree from Aberdeen University. She is now teaching at Markethill Primary School in Turriff.

Peter Smart, a former Banff Academy pupil, graduated B Sc in computing for the Internet and multimedia from the Robert Gordon University. He is now working for Senergy, an oil and gas consulting company in Aberdeen.

Andrew Randall, graduated BD (Hons) from Edinburgh University, and is following his father into the ministry of the Church of Scotland. He is the third son of Rev David and Mrs Nan Randall. He was educated at Macduff Primary and Banff Academy and studied law at Aberdeen. He has now completed his studies for the ministry, and is beginning a 15 month probationary period at Logie St John’s Church, Dundee.

Arlene Ritchie (right), who graduated recently as a chartered accountant, receives the Alistair Pearce Prize from Isobel Sharp, President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. The award was presented to the former Banff Academy pupil who works for Ritsons in Buckie. She graduated with the highest score in the Institute’s exams in 2005 and 2006, of those who did not gain their chartered accountancy through a degree course.

Nicole Shillington, from Macduff, graduated from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen with a Bachelor of Nursing degree. The former Banff Academy pupil is working in the infection unit at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Lyndsey Thomson, a former Banff Academy pupil, graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing Degree in children's nursing from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Lyndsey is the youngest daughter of Douglas and Kathleen, of Gellymill Street, Macduff.

Leanne Ritchie, Reidhaven Street, Whitehills, graduated BSc (with distinction) in sport and exercise science. The former Banff Academy pupil is now working as a recreation supervisor at the Edinburgh University Centre for Sports and Exercise.

Judith Robinson, Gellymill Street, Macduff, who works for CIC in Portsoy with people who have special needs, graduated with an SVQ level three in social care from Aberdeen College.

Veronica Souter of Queens Crescent, Portsoy, graduated BA (Hons) with a Diploma in Social Work from the Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen. Veronica, a former Banff Academy pupil, is now working in Aberdeen.

Elaine Smith, Montcoffer View, Banff, graduated with a Diploma of Higher Education in Nursing (Adult Nursing) from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Elaine is now working at Chalmers Hospital, Banff.

Gillian Robertson, Portsoy, graduated LLB from the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen. Gillian is the only daughter of George and Joyce Robertson, the Square. She is a former pupil of the town’s primary school and Banff Academy. Gillian is starting her law career as a contracts engineer with a firm in Westhill.