Meet the Uni student writing her dissertation while travelling the globe
Maggie Hirt is currently in New Zealand researching the significance of Macbeth to Forres while home schooling her children.
A mum of four is currently completing her Masters dissertation, while travelling across the world.
Along with her family, Maggie Hirt has spent the last six years sailing and during that time has been across the Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, the Pacific and through the Panama Canal.
She's currently in New Zealand, juggling writing her dissertation on the significance of Macbeth to Forres with home schooling her children.
Despite having to cope with tough weather conditions while completing her studies, Maggie says she has thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
In 2017, Maggie and her family left the US for life aboard the 'Selkie' after husband Nick asked if she felt she could home school their children while sailing.
After spending a year in Ireland and Scotland, Maggie decided she wanted to pursue a degree with the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Maggie explained how her research around the Macbeth originated from her love of theatre when she was younger growing up in her home state of Michigan.
She said: "I would see two or three Shakespearean plays every summer and it became like a second language for me when I was a child.
"Macbeth always pulled my heartstrings.
"I wanted to know how literature ripples through time and effects a small town."
Speaking while on land exploring New Zealand, Maggie explained how trying to fit in studying with other daily tasks can be a struggle.
She added: "Everyday we wake up and we have to move the RV.
"We have to set up somewhere else, drive somewhere else, the kids all need something, I'm cooking, cleaning and travelling.
"It's endless amount of difficulty, but I make the time.
"I once had to write a paper during my nightshift in the dark in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a caving light on my head.
"Staring at the computer with all my books around me, hoping a storm or a squall doesn't hit and that I'm paying attention to everything."
In the Shakespeare play, Forres is where Macbeth has his fateful encounter with three witches on a heath near the town.
It's also where the author located Duncan's Castle, another prominent landmark featured within the book.
Maggie is looking for responses to her questionnaire on the significance of Macbeth on the Moray town which can be accessed here.
You can also follow the family's adventures on board the Selkie here.