Top college accolade for accountancy student Louise

School assistant and mother-of-three Louise Duffy has become student of the year at Shetland College UHI.

Louise, 41, who wins £100, returned to college two years ago to study accounting and has now completed both a higher national certificate and diploma through UHI, the prospective University of the Highlands and Islands.

Irene Peterson, head of the accounting section, described Louise as a diligent and high achieving student and a pro-active representative for her class. “She has proved to be a very able and conscientious student, producing assignments to a very high standard.”

Louise has loved the student experience and said: “It was a bit daunting at first, but I was in a class with people of all ages and international students so it didn’t take me long to feel at home. I enjoyed what I did and met some great people – and to be rewarded for it is just amazing.”

A part-time relief assistant, helping in the kitchens and playgrounds, and special needs auxiliary in Lerwick schools, Louise lives in the town with her partner, maintenance engineer Graeme, and three children – Harrison, 18, Mason, 14, and Autumn, 11. “Achieving my qualifications would not have been possible without the support of my family and I must thank Graeme, in particular.”

Louise already has a maths degree from the University of Edinburgh. “I hope to go into accounting and the new qualifications will certainly help my career prospects,” she added.