First Minister returns to first University

Almost thirty years since crossing the stage to collect his degree, Alex Salmond will return to the University of St Andrews to deliver a special address to graduating students.

The Rt Hon. Alex Salmond MSP will revisit his former university this week (Friday 30 November) to attend the traditional St Andrew’s Day Graduation. The First Minister will take to the same stage at the Younger Hall where he graduated with an MA (Honours) in Economics and Mediaeval History in 1978.

After witnessing the graduation of students in both the arts and the sciences (including his former subjects), Mr Salmond will deliver the formal graduation address.

During the morning ceremony honorary degrees will also be conferred upon The Very Reverend Alan McDonald, the former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Professor Ian Wilson, a renowned scientist at the Scripps Research Institute in the US.

A second ceremony will be held in the afternoon, during which a further honorary degree will be conferred upon pioneering keyhole surgeon Sir Alfred Cuschieri, while local primary school Head Teacher, Kathleen McConnochie, will be awarded the University Medal for her contribution to primary education in St Andrews.

During both ceremonies the University’s ten new Professors will also be formally inducted.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND THE MORNING GRADUATION CEREMONY, DURING WHICH ALEX SALMOND WILL DELIVER THE GRADUATION ADDRESS, PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS OFFICE BEFORE 5PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY 28 NOVEMBER) – 01334 467227 / 462244 / 462529. PASSES WILL BE ISSUED AND MUST BE COLLECTED BY 10AM ON FRIDAY – PLEASE BRING PROOF OF IDENTITY TO THE PRESS OFFICE AT ST KATHARINE’S WEST, THE SCORES, ST ANDREWS.

MR SALMOND WILL BE AVAILABLE BRIEFLY FOR PHOTOGRAPHS DIRECTLY AFTER THE CEREMONY IN ST SALVATOR’S QUADRANGLE, NORTH STREET, ST ANDREWS. THE CEREMONY WILL FINISH APPROX 12.30. IN THE EVENT OF POOR WEATHER, PHOTOGRAPHY WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE YOUNGER HALL (LOWER ROBING ROOM)* HONORARY GRADUATES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE SAME LOCATION.

THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS APPLY TO THE AFTERNOON’S HONORARY GRADUATE AND THE MEDAL RECIPIENT. NB ALEX SALMOND IS ATTENDING THE MORNING CEREMONY ONLY.

*TO CHECK ON LOCATION OR FOR ACCESS TO THE ROBING ROOM (FOR THOSE NOT ALREADY IN THE HALL) CONTACT GAYLE COOK / NIALL SCOTT ON MOBILE NUMBERS BELOW.

Issued by the Press Office, contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227 / 07900 050 103 or Niall Scott on 01334 462244 / 07711 223 062.
Ref: St Andrew’s Day Grad 281107
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