Public figures given degrees

Chariots of Fire film producer Lord Puttnam and former Scotland rugby star Scott Hastings have been awarded honorary degrees by Edinburgh University.

University chancellor, the Princess Royal, yesterday presented five public figures with a Doctor honoris causa during a ceremony attended by students, staff and guests in the McEwan Hall.

Jazz musician Tommy Smith, Big Issue founder and Homeless World Cup president Mel Young and Nosheena Mobarik, chair of CBI Scotland, were also honoured.

Oscar-winning Lord Puttnam’s successes also include Local Hero, while Mr Hastings was capped 65 times for his country.