News

Our Certificate Ceremony 2023 was held on 27 June in the beautiful surrounds of our valued partner and neighbour St Cecilia’s Hall. As the hall filled up with our students and guests, a slideshow presentation of our Access Photography students’ work played on the projector, accompanied by live music from a local community music group:

The ceremony was officiated by our Co-Chief Executive, Adele Hill, who introduced a number of guests speakers to help hand out awards across our categories of: Access Photography; Access Data; Digital Media; Photo Arts Group Empowerment (PAGE) project; University of Edinburgh courses; and our Community College classes.

We heard from Monica Hoenigmann (Edinburgh College Assistant Principal and Access to Industry Board Member):

Jennifer Melville (Digital Media Course Coordinator, Access to Industry):

Alan McCredie (Photography Lecturer, Edinburgh College):

Anthea Coleman-Chan (Centre for Open Learning, University of Edinburgh):

We were also incredibly lucky to have a selection of student speakers take to the stage to tell us about their journey and how Access to Industry has helped them. It was a privilege to hear them share their stories. Alex McCathie in particular delivered a powerful and moving speech that few will forget:

Bonnie Cheung inspired us all with her story of how Access to Industry helped to build her skills and confidence:

Michal Wolski rounded off the student speakers with his moving words about the difference Access to Industry made to his life:

We then moved on to our ‘Special Awards’ – awarding Volunteer of the Year to Anna Raffles for helping provide usable IT equipment for our students:

Partner of the Year to The Turn2us Edinburgh Trust, a fund offering support to people who are struggling financially in the City of Edinburgh:

The Angus Whyte Award, in honour of our former Board Chair, to former student and new Board Member Paul Whytock, who shone extra bright this year in terms of individual achievement:

It was then with big thanks (and flowers!) that we celebrated our very own Magda Gucman for her Herculean efforts in helping to organise the ceremony, before decamping to our Cowgate premises for a light lunch by local social enterprise, Scran Academy, whose hearty sandwiches and sweet treats provided the necessary refueling.

Images by Hannah MacLeod, on Instagram as @hgmacleodphotography.