News Highlights

Heriot-Watt University Graduations - Honorary Graduates

The new Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, TV retail guru Mary Portas, the President of Portugal and the Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association are among those receiving honorary degrees at Heriot-Watt’s June graduations.

Below please find a full listing of the honorary graduates:

Mary Portas, Creative Director of Yellow Door, will be awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of her distinguished career and her outstanding and creative contribution to the advancement of marketing and brand communications within the retail sector. (Ceremony 11.00am, Friday 19 June, Galashiels)

His Excellency Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of the Republic of Portugal, will be awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinction in the discipline of Economics and in public service in the Republic of Portugal. (Ceremony 10.00am Tuesday 23 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Steve King, Musician and Musician-in-Residence at Heriot-Watt University, will be awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinction in the field of music and his outstanding contribution, through music, to the cultural and educational life of Heriot-Watt University and the wider Scottish community. (Ceremony 10.00am Tuesday 23 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Ian Marchant, Chief Executive of Scottish and Southern Energy, will be awarded a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his distinguished career and outstanding contribution to sustainable development of the Scottish energy industry. (Ceremony 1.30pm Tuesday 23 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Robert Graham, Chairman of Graham’s Dairy, will be awarded a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Scotland’s dairy industry and for his demonstrated leadership in the context of small and family owned businesses. (Ceremony 10.00am Wednesday 24 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Gavin Gemmell, ex-Chair of Heriot-Watt University Court and Chair of Archangel Informal Investments Ltd., will be awarded a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his contribution to the governance and progress of Heriot-Watt University and of his outstanding career and leadership in the financial sector. (Ceremony 1.30pm Wednesday 24 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Ms Carol Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate, will be awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of her artistic achievements as poet, playwright and promoter of creative writing. (Ceremony 1.30pm Wednesday 24 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Dr Ben Goldacre, writer, broadcaster and medical doctor, will be awarded a Doctorate of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to scientific journalism and in the promotion of public engagement with and greater understanding of science. (Ceremony 10.0am Thursday 25 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Paul Walsh, CEO of Diageo and Chairman of the Scotch Whisky Association, will be awarded a Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinguished career and, through his leadership, an outstanding contribution to sustained development and economic success within the global drinks industry. (Ceremony 1.30pm Thursday 25 June, Edinburgh Campus)

Mr Alan Shaw, Chartered Engineer, will be awarded a Doctorate of Engineering in recognition of his services to the energy generation industry and of his many years of support and advocacy of Heriot-Watt University. (Ceremony 10.00am Friday 26 June, Edinburgh Campus)

For further enquiries or to request a photograph, please contact: Sue Campbell 0131 451 3598: 07793 825281; S.Campbell@hw.ac.uk