Two members of staff from West Lothian College were honoured at the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 14 May 2025, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the education and skills sector.
Micole Cochrane, Student Association Development Officer, and Raymond Bremner, Carpentry and Joinery Lecturer, received the prestigious invitation following their recent success at the CDN College Awards 2024, where Micole was named Professional Services Colleague of the Year, while Raymond won Lecturer of the Year.
The garden party, hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, was the second of the year and celebrated individuals who have made a significant impact in education.
Micole, who has worked at West Lothian College for 18 years, has played a pivotal role in transforming the Student Association into a multi-award-winning body. Her leadership over the past year has been particularly noteworthy. Among her achievements, she led a cross-college team to secure the LGBT Youth Scotland Gold Charter—the first college in Scotland to do so. The project was completed in just six months, far ahead of the typical 12–18 month timeline, and is now considered a model for future institutional initiatives.
Her strategic approach has not only streamlined the Student Association’s operations but also empowered student leaders to make a tangible difference. In March 2024, the Association received an NUS Scotland Award for its impactful work supporting students experiencing poverty.
Raymond Bremner was recognised for his innovative and student-focused teaching practices that drive positive outcomes across the board. As a lead figure in the college’s Skills Centre for Sustainable Living (ECOHOUSE), Raymond integrates sustainability and modern construction techniques into the curriculum—preparing students to meet the challenges of Scotland’s evolving built environment and net zero ambitions.
In the 2023–24 academic year, Raymond worked closely with students referred by the college’s trauma-responsive TRUST team, supporting their transition into full-time construction courses. His efforts in upskilling secondary school teachers and implementing a project-based learning model have significantly boosted student success in built environment programmes. His work is widely respected by both students and colleagues.
Reflecting on the day at Buckingham Palace, Micole said:
It was a great privilege and honour to be invited to the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, on the back of achieving Professional Services Colleague of the Year at the CDN Awards in November. Buckingham Palace is such a beautiful and iconic place, full of history and grandeur. The garden party itself was an incredible experience – the sun shone whilst those in education congregated to experience the wonderful hospitality provided by Buckingham Palace. Two bands alternatively played, with music from movies, and familiar songs. The King and Queen Consort attended the event, meeting guests and enjoying the glorious weather.
The canapés were a delight and I made sure to try every one! They were all delicately arranged, looked magnificent, and tasted delicious. The grounds were spectacular, with beautiful rose areas, lavender, and an abundance of other flowers surrounding the space, which we had the opportunity to explore freely.
Thank you so much for this opportunity! It’s one which I will take with me forever!
Raymond also shared his thoughts on the experience:
Attending the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace was not only an incredible honour but also a truly memorable and humbling experience.
The opportunity to represent the college in such a prestigious setting, surrounded by dedicated professionals from across the education sector, was something I will always value deeply. The atmosphere was uplifting, the hospitality exceptional, and the historic grounds of the Palace were absolutely breathtaking. It was a rare privilege to walk through such iconic surroundings, enjoy the beautifully arranged gardens, and experience the tradition and celebration of the day.
I am extremely grateful for the invitation and the recognition that led to this opportunity — it’s a day I will carry with me throughout my career.
Micole and Raymond’s recognition at both the CDN College Awards and the King’s Garden Party stands as a testament to their dedication, innovation, and the lasting impact they’ve made within the college and beyond.
Congratulations to Micole and Raymond on this well-deserved honour.
Below: Micole and Raymond celebrating their individual wins at the College Awards 2024. Find out more in the College Awards shortlist summary
 |
 |
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Do you know a colleague who deserves to be celebrated?
Nominations for the 2025 College Awards are now open until 26 June.
Submit your entry here: www.cdn.ac.uk/college-awards-2025/
Let’s continue recognising the people who make a difference in education.
