STUDENTS at Ayr’s University West of Scotland campus received their degrees at ceremonies at Troon Concert Hall on Friday.

And a full list of the recipients will be included in a souvenir spotlight in next week’s Ayr Advertiser Series.

Also receiving an award, in this case an Honorary Doctorate, was Graham Peterkin, former Executive Director and Depute Chief Executive of South Ayrshire Council and Chairman of the Burns Festival Company Limited.

Mr Peterkin is a former Vice-Chair of University of the West of Scotland’s governing body,  and served on the Court from 2006 until December 2015, following a 40 year career in local government. 

He also became Director of the Ayr Gaiety Partnership (AGP), an Independent Director on the Board of Ayr United Football Academy. For the last four years Graham has served on Ayr United FC’s Board as a Director and the Secretary. He is also currently a Trustee and Vice Chair of Action Against Stalking.

Commenting on the award Graham said it would be an ‘extremely special moment in my life to receive such an award’.

Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be able recognise the hugely important contribution that Graham has made, not just to UWS, but to public life in general in the West of Scotland and in particular Ayrshire.”