Rolling out the red carpet...

...for some very special VIPs.

Tonight was our glittering graduation ceremony for the young people who have worked with us over the past year as part of our mew Modern Apprenticeship Programme.

The young people, their families and friends, plus partner organisations and the Scottish Government Youth Employment Minister gathered to celebrate their amazing efforts and their potential.

Twelve incredible young people - I could go on for hours about their achievements and all they have done to get here tonight. Suffice to say a year ago I don't think any of them thought this might be possible but here they are - with enviable skills developed, a 100% pass rate in their qualification and opportunities seized - and all facing bright futures.

It was such a joyful and emotional occasion - and it has been an absolute privilege to offer them this chance and support them so far to this staging post towards the rest of their lives.

I'm so incredibly proud of them - and so incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment my staff team put in to make the programme work.

This is just the start - the next cohort have already begun, and there is the potential to do so much more.

But for now, getting the chance to celebrate with this group has provided one of the highlights of my professional career, without question.