Novelist Douglas Stuart and athlete Laura Muir to receive honorary degrees from the University of Glasgow

Novelist Douglas Stuart and Olympic silver medallist Laura Muir are among the recipients of honorary degrees at the University of Glasgow this year.

The university’s principal and vice chancellor Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli announced the list of recipients set to be recognised during a special ceremony on Wednesday, June 14.

The event will mark the foundation of the historic university in 1451.

The writer of Booker Prize winning novel Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart, and athlete Laura Muir will be among those rewarded.

The chief medical officer for England, who saw the country through the coronavirus pandemic, Professor Sir Chris Whitty will also be presented with an honorary degree.

Athlete Laura Muir is among those to receive an honorary degree. Getty Images

Others recognised on Commemoration Day are businessperson Sandy Black; economist and director general of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; and Mamphela Ramphele, academic and anti-apartheid activist.

Further honorary degrees will also be presented during the university’s summer and winter graduation ceremonies.

These will include lawyer David Lammy; dress and textiles historian Barbara Burman; musician Paul Buchanan; and actor Bill Paterson.

Dr Gita Gopinath, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, will also receive an honorary reward before giving a Hunter Foundation Lecture.

Chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty Getty Images

The lecture is part of the university’s tercentenary celebrations of esteemed alumnus Adam Smith.

Professor Muscatelli said: “I’m really delighted to welcome such distinguished individuals from a whole spectrum of backgrounds and disciplines to our university community.

“Awarding honorary degrees is a way for the university to recognise world-changing achievements and celebrate the successes of these individuals.

“As a civic institution we want to do more to make a positive impact on the communities we serve, and build on the legacy of the innovators, thinkers and creative minds the University has fostered over the past 572 years.

“Each of our Honorary Graduands has made an important difference in their respective fields, bringing benefit to society and to people’s lives across the globe.”