Honorary degree for former University Governor

The former Senior Governor of the University of St Andrews was honoured by his alma mater today (Wednesday 30 November 2016).

The former Senior Governor of the University of St Andrews was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) by his alma mater today (Wednesday 30 November 2016).

It has been 53 years since Sir Ewan first crossed the stage as a St Andrews graduate (MA 1963, LLB 1964). Sir Ewan – who was educated at Perth Academy – was an award-winning student during his early years at the University, winning class medals in Jurisprudence and Forensic Medicine.

Following his St Andrews degree, Sir Ewan qualified as a chartered accountant and was executive director of merchant bankers Noble Grossart for over 35 years until his retiral in 2003.

In 1996, Sir Ewan was awarded the CBE for services to public life in Scotland, and in 2014 he was knighted for services to business, public life and philanthropy.

Alongside his wife and fellow alum, Christine, Sir Ewan has been a long-standing benefactor to University projects, and, as Chair of the 600th anniversary fundraising campaign, he helped lead St Andrews on its most successful ever fundraising drive.

In his laureation address, Professor James Naismith paid tribute: “Sir Ewan has never forgotten the University of St Andrews. He has been an exceptional and sustained financial benefactor to the University, contributing to many projects and funding the Ewan and Christine Brown scholarship.

“In addition to this generosity, Ewan has been, what I can only describe as, a workhorse to the University. As a Court member, I saw at first hand his commitment to, love for and pride in the University of St Andrews. Ever to be the best, Ewan has been the embodiment of our motto.”

Today marked Professor Sally Mapstone’s first St Andrews graduation ceremonies following her official installation as Principal on Tuesday (29 November). The final ceremony will be held tomorrow morning.

Notes to news editors

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews, contactable on 01334 462530/467227 or via email [email protected].

Biography: Sir Ewan Brown CBE FRSE MA LLB CA FCIBS Hon FRZS (Scot)

Sir Ewan Brown was educated at Perth Academy and St Andrews University: MA, 1963; LLB, 1964. He was an executive director of Noble Grossart, merchant bankers, for over 35 years and is now a non-executive director.

He is also a non-executive director of Stagecoach Group, chair of James Walker (Leith), a board member of Entrepreneurial Scotland and a trustee of the Royal Scottish Academy Foundation.

Past directorships have included Scottish Financial Enterprise (chair), Lloyds TSB Scotland (chair), Lloyds TSB Group, Wood Group, Scottish Widows Bank, Pict Petroleum, Scottish Transport Group and Scottish Development Finance.

Sir Ewan was senior governor of St Andrews University from 2007 to 2016, depute chair of the Edinburgh International Festival and chair of its executive committee from 2007 to 2014, chair of Creative Scotland (2009 to 2010), and Master of the Edinburgh Merchant Company from 1994 to 1995. Other previous appointments have included the Council of ICAS, the Council of Assembly of the Church of Scotland and chair of the Court of Heriot-Watt University (1996 to 2002).

He received a CBE in 1996 for services to public life in Scotland and was knighted in 2014 for services to business, public life and philanthropy.