The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire and senior figure in Scotland’s business and accountancy sectors has received an honorary degree from the University of Stirling.

Alexander Philip Manson, known as Sandy, received an Honorary Doctorate on the first day of Stirling’s summer graduation, which runs from 25 – 27 June.

Sandy – the former Chief Executive and Chair of Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants – received the honour in recognition of his services to the Scottish business and accountancy sectors. 

Sandy – who sits on the International Advisory Board of the University of Stirling Management School, and on the boards of several charities – said: “It was the most wonderful surprise and honour to be recognised by the University of Stirling in this special way.

“I have greatly enjoyed working with the progressive and dynamic-thinking Stirling Management School because they tirelessly seize opportunities to both inspire and encourage entrepreneurial thinking in their students; but they also provide enormous support in helping Scotland’s business community to thrive.”

Sandy joined Johnston Carmichael as an Associate in 1991 before being promoted to Partner and later Managing Partner of its Aberdeen office. He was appointed Chief Executive in 2007 and Chair in 2019, before retiring in 2022. Today, Johnston Carmichael is the largest independent accounting firm in Scotland and a top 20 accounting firm in the UK.

Sandy has served as Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire since 2020 – and continues to represent King Charles III today. In addition, he has been appointed to the boards of Gordon and MacPhail, Baxters Food Group and Maestro Shipping. Among other prominent roles, he is a Trustee of The King's Foundation and recently stepped down as Chair of Salvesen Mindroom Centre.

In total, 2,271 students will graduate from the University of Stirling this week. Five ceremonies will be held across three days (25 – 27 June) as students celebrate their academic achievements alongside their families, friends and University staff.