The University of Glasgow conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University on the former First Minister the Right Hon Alex Salmond MSP.

Mr Salmond received his award before delivering a public lecture at the Bute Hall in the University of Glasgow. 

Right Hon Alex Salmond MSP lecture

‌The Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Anton Muscatelli said: “The decision by Senate to confer the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University on Alex Salmond continues the long tradition at Glasgow of recognising major contributions to public life from across the political spectrum. Previous recipients of honorary degrees have included Donald Dewar, Sir Menzies Campbell, Charles Kennedy and George Younger.

“All political observers recognise that Alex Salmond is a dominant figure in Scottish politics. In a parliamentary career that spans almost three decades, he was twice leader of the SNP, and the longest serving First Minister of Scotland from 2007-2014. Higher Education was a key part of his programme for government and in spite of challenging economic circumstances his government supported the global ambition of Scotland’s universities whilst encouraging access from all who had talent and ambition to learn.   

“Mr. Salmond led Scotland during what was arguably the most important period of constitutional debate in the last three-hundred years, leading to the 2014 Independence Referendum. He stood down as First Minister and SNP leader in the aftermath of the Referendum, but in seeking to return to Westminster at the forthcoming General Election he continues to play an important role in British politics.  

“We look forward to conferring an Honorary Degree on Alex Salmond and to the lecture that he will deliver.”

Mr Salmond said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this honour from the University of Glasgow – one of Scotland’s most distinguished institutions, which has truly shaped the world we live in throughout its history.

 “And to this day, Glasgow remains at the vanguard in terms of teaching excellence and research.

“I am extremely proud of what the SNP in government has achieved for Scottish education – principally the abolition of tuition fees, which has restored a long tradition of education based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.”

The University of Glasgow will be awarding an Honorary Degree to the Right Hon Gordon Brown on Wednesday 29 April 2015.

Notes to editors:

  • The University of Glasgow will be awarding an Honorary Degree to the Right Hon Gordon Brown on Wednesday 29 April 2015. Details on this event, which will also involve a public lecture, will be released ahead of the event or by contacting media@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 330 3535

First published: 20 April 2015

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