The University of Stirling has honoured Lord McFall of Alcluith, one of Britain's most respected politicians, and Professor Ian Aitken, a former lay member of University Court, at its degree ceremonies today.
Professor Aitken was an outstanding lay member of the University Court from 2001 to 2009, with the University benefitting from Professor Aitken’s professional expertise and his keen sense of the importance of ethical robustness as a means of ensuring public confidence in the work of academics. Before his retirement, he was an animal health and welfare scientist as head of the Moredun Research Institute in Edinburgh.
Lord McFall made an outstanding contribution to the UK Parliament since he was first elected MP for Dumbarton in 1987. He served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Northern Ireland Office and, as Chair of the Treasury Select Committee from 2001 to 2010, played a key role in the recent banking crisis by searching for mechanisms that would help prevent future crises. The Committee also had an important role in promoting financial inclusion.
He told graduates at the ceremony that they would need integrity, judgement, humility, perseverance and most of all hard work to succeed in life. "You have to know who you are and from where you came. Remember who gave you your chance here, your university and your family," he said.
A gallery of photos from all four graduation ceremonies is online at