It has been a wonderful day in Kirkwall today.  I dropped Stevan off early at the college in Kirkwall to get official photographs taken and to get togged up in his gown for the graduation ceremony.  He was well looked after, particularly by the Centre for Nordic Studies where he was treated to a pringle or two while he had time to kill between official photographs and the "wafting" up to the Cathedral for the ceremony.

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The whole day was exceptionally relaxed and well organised.  And a lovely celebration of all the hard work done by all the students and tutors at what is the youngest university in the UK.   Stevan's hard work over the last five years has paid off and he is now the proud and rightful owner of a BA (Hons) Scottish Cultural Studies First Class degree.  Not only that, but he was also awarded a special award as the Best Graduating Student in the Scottish Cultural Studies faculty.  As you can imagine I am bursting with pride for him.  He has been asked many, many times "what is next?" and the answer is "we are not sure yet".  He has an unconditional offer of returning to the university to undertake a PhD, but that needs some thought (and some funding!).

In the meantime we're just taking some time to enjoy the achievement.  It was a wonderful day, and a lovely rounding off of what has been an exciting few years for both of us - Stevan was so fortunate to graduate from the magnificent grandeur of St Magnus Cathedral..

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And it was such a lovely surprise when we came home from St Magnus Cathedral to find the owner of the cottage which we're renting had gone the extra mile!

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Honestly, if you ever come to Orkney, stay here! It is one of the loveliest cottages we have ever stayed in, and Catherine, the owner, could not have been more kind or more helpful.