Ex-Rangers boss Walter Smith receives honorary degree

Published on 27/06/2012 12:56

FORMER Rangers manager Walter Smith is to receive an honorary degree today by Glasgow Caledonian (GCU) in recognition of his achievements in Scottish football.

He will be given a Doctor of the University.

As manager of Rangers, Mr Smith picked up 21 major honours during two spells at the club, including 10 Scottish titles.

He has also managed the Scottish national side.

Scotland’s chief medical officer Sir Harry Burns will be honoured by the same university, as he is to be presented with a Doctor of Science.

Sir Harry, who was knighted last year during the Queen’s birthday honours, is the Scottish Government’s principal medical adviser.

Both men will be handed their degrees at graduation ceremonies today, which will be held at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.

Professor Pamela Gillies, GCU principal and vice-chancellor, said: “We are delighted to welcome these creative and civic-minded citizens into our distinguished family of honorary graduates.

“They each have a remarkable record of achievement in business and public life, and each individual honoured is an inspiration to our university community of staff, students, graduates and alumni.”

In the capital, Edinburgh International Festival Director Professor Jonathan Mills will receive a Doctor honoris causa for his contribution to arts and culture.

Prof Mills was appointed Festival director in 2006.

He will be given his degree at a ceremony at the university’s McEwan Hall later today.