Figures from the world of sport, film, architecture and journalism received honorary degrees from the University of Stirling last week.
The honorary graduands joined hundreds of students to receive their awards at graduation ceremonies on 25 and 26 June.
Sir Craig Reedie – a former Stirling High School pupil who went on to become a vice-president of the International Olympic Committee – became a “Doctor of the University” as did film director and former Edinburgh Film Festival boss Mark Cousins.
Also receiving honorary degrees were Dr Charles Jencks, the landscape architect behind “Northumberlandia”, the award-winning landform in the north of England; and the respected Scottish journalist Melanie Reid.
The University’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerry McCormac said in advance of the ceremonies: “We are delighted to be able to honour these four outstanding individuals at our summer graduation ceremonies, joining hundreds of accomplished Stirling students.
“Sir Craig Reedie was born in Stirling and attended the town’s High School. Sir Craig joined the International Olympic Committee in 1994 and served on the London 2012 Organising Committee. As Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence we are pleased to be able to mark his incredible body of work and make him a Doctor of the University.
“Mark Cousins is an accomplished film-maker and Stirling graduate. He is well known for his work at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. But he has also done great work in the voluntary sector. With the actress Tilda Swinton, he founded the 8½ Foundation - a not-for-profit organisation aimed at introducing children to the best of world cinema.”
The Principal continued: “Charles Jencks has truly made his mark on the environment, creating stunning landforms that inspire us all. He also worked with his late wife Maggie to set up an amazing charity – now delivering Maggie’s Centres around the country to support people living with cancer.
“Journalist Melanie Reid, who lives in Stirlingshire, receives her honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to journalism, to disability rights and awareness, and for being an inspirational example of human resilience and dignity. Melanie broke her neck and back in a riding incident in 2010. She has gone on to chart her life and recovery in award-winning columns for the Times newspaper.”
The graduation ceremonies took place in the Gannochy National Tennis Centre at the University’s main Stirling campus on Wednesday 25 June and Thursday 26 June. The Chancellor of the University, Dr James Naughtie, DUniv, presided over the ceremonies.
View recorded film coverage of the ceremonies and photographs from the graduations.