Niall McFadden has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a first-class degree in Quantity Surveying and has also won the University Class Award for being the highest-performing student.

In 2021, McFadden started his degree and attained a trainee role with Persimmon Homes North Scotland a year into his course.

In the summer of 2022, McFadden joined the homebuilder and balanced university with working on live Persimmon developments spanning from Alloa to Aberdeenshire.

McFadden’s career has moved forward together with his studies, with the now-graduate having been promoted to assistant quantity surveyor in 2024 before progressing to quantity surveyor in January this year. 

Combining academic learning with practical experience has enabled McFadden to apply his studies to projects while developing a career in the construction industry.

McFadden said: “I’m really proud to have graduated with a first and to have received the University Class Award. 

“It’s been a great journey balancing university with my career at Persimmon.”

McFadden added: “Starting with Persimmon after my first year gave me the opportunity to put what I was learning into practice while gaining valuable industry experience.”

Gillian Baird, Persimmon Homes North Scotland commercial director, said: “I’m incredibly proud of how he has applied himself, both in his work and his studies. 

“He has always been willing to take advice, remained humble and, as a result, has developed enormously.”

Baird added: “He is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through hard work, natural ability and determination.”