St Andrews students prepare for their day in the spotlight

EDUCATION: Fife university to host its summer graduation ceremonies

More than 1,900 students from across the world will gather at St Andrews University this week for its summer graduations.

Representing 80 countries, they will receive their academic awards in the Younger Hall.

And among their ranks will be a Crail woman who shows it is never too late to learn something new.

Frances Innes, who will turn 80 in December, has been an evening student at the university and will today collect her MA (Gen) Arts after nine years of hard work.

As part of her course, Mrs Innes studied psychology, social anthropology, politics, music and art.

Proud daughter Dawn French said her mother, a former librarian at Waid Academy, had decided she wanted to do something academically, and in particular was keen to study Scottish politics in more depth.

“So that was the start – and she could not stop, she found university life brilliant,” she said.

The family – Dawn has brothers Kevin and Derek – have paid tribute to Joanna Fry, the university’s education liaison officer for lifelong and flexible learning.

“She is absolutely wonderful,” said Mrs French.

“It is so important to get the message out there about lifelong learning for older people.”

Also graduating this week will be Tashi Tahir, 22, who will graduate with a degree in management in maths despite nearly missing out on the chance to study.

Persecuted for her religion, Tashi fled from Pakistan to Scotland with her mother in 2004 but it was not until 10 years later that she was granted discretionary leave to remain in the UK.

The straight-A student feared she would not be able to take up her place at university without leave-to-remain status but it was approved by the Secretary of State just in time for her to start her studies.

The ceremonies will also see 10 distinguished individuals from the worlds of science, art, sport and literature honoured.

Former Scottish Rugby and British Lions head coach Sir Ian McGeechan is among those receiving honorary degrees.

Pictures: Kris Miller/Kim Cessford. Students from St Andrews University will have their hard work recognised this week as they descend on the Younger Hall for the graduation ceremonies.