Broadcaster honoured by university

8:55am Saturday 17th May 2008

Broadcaster Kirsty Young is to be awarded an honorary degree for her "outstanding contribution" to television and radio, it has been announced.

Young, who fronts the BBC's Crimewatch programme and presents Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Stirling next month.

The presenter, who began her journalistic career at BBC Radio Scotland before finding national fame as Channel 5's news anchor, was raised and educated in Stirling.

Glasgow-born singer Eddi Reader, who rose to fame with the band Fairground Attraction, will also be given an honorary degree by the institution.

In all, six leading personalities will receive honorary degrees on June 25 and 26.

They include Edinburgh International Festival director Jonathan Mills and the former presiding officer of the Scottish Parliament, George Reid.

Baroness Ford and Baroness Stern complete the line-up.

Dame Diana Rigg will preside over the graduation ceremonies for the final time as her 10-year term as university chancellor draws to an end.

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