University honour for Scots broadcaster

Scots writer, broadcaster and journalist Sheena McDonald is to receive an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews.

Born in Dunfermline, Dr McDonald, who will be presented with a Doctor of Letters (DLitt) on Thursday 21 June 2001, grew up in Edinburgh and attended George Watson’s Ladies’ College. She graduated from the University of Edinburgh (MA Hons, English Language and Literature) in 1976 and, thereafter, gained a postgraduate certificate in radio, film and television studies at the University of Bristol. London- based since 1988, she is one of the UK’s top interviewers and presenters, specialising in foreign and national current affairs, politics, arts and media and topical debates.

Dr McDonald’s journalistic career began in 1978 at BBC Radio Scotland where she gained wide experience as a reporter, presenter and producer. In 1981, she joined Scottish Television where she presented a range of programmes including the main daily news programme Scotland Today. She then went on to work for a range of projects within the BBC and Channel 4.

Outside broadcasting, she is regularly invited to chair and speak at conferences and other non- broadcast and commercial events including chairing the presentation of the Whitbread Book Awards in 1998, 2000 and 2001. As a print journalist, she has written for the Scotland on Sunday and Sunday Herald, regularly writes for The Guardian and has written for The Independent, the New Statesman and The Express.

Dr McDonald has also served many arts organisations in Scotland including being a board member for Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. She has also served on the boards of the Scottish Film Council and the Scottish Youth Theatre, chaired the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh and served on the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

NOTE TO EDITORS – Further details of those receiving honorary degrees will be released over the coming weeks.

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email [email protected] Ref: hon2001.sheenamc/standrews/chg/10ap ril2001