Stirling University honours two legal lights

Author and law professor Alexander McCall Smith CBE and advocate Laura Dunlop QC are to receive honorary degrees at the University of Stirling’s Winter Graduation next week 27 November.

Professor McCall Smith, Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, is the award-winning author of The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, which has been translated into 45 languages and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, along with many other books for adults and children. He will receive the award of Doctor of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature.

Laura Dunlop QC will received the same award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the support of vulnerable people in Scotland through the practice of law, and as an outstanding role model for Stirling’s female students. She was the first female law commissioner in Scotland and was responsible for addressing protection of the right to liberty of adults with incapacity. Since 2005, she has also held office as Procurator to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland – the first female to hold this appointment. 

They will join more than 650 Stirling graduates, whose degrees will be conferred by University Chancellor and BBC broadcaster James Naughtie at two ceremonies held in the Gannochy National Tennis Centre.

Professor Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Stirling, commented: "A modern master of the serial novel, Alexander McCall Smith is renowned for his clear, perceptive and uncomplicated prose. His writing is imbued with a dry but gentle humour, and his characters are instilled with humanity and kindness – reminding us how civilised life can be.

"Laura Dunlop is widely known for her work in relation to clinical negligence and public inquiries. Her remarkable success as a QC and incumbent of high-profile public positions underscore her status as a role model for women in the legal profession.

“Both honorary graduands have made outstanding contributions in their fields and are shining examples to our graduating students of what can be achieved.”