Rugby legend and charity campaigner Doddie Weir lit up the Abertay University graduation. The former international and British Lion - who is battling Motor Neurone Disease - received an honorary degree yesterday.
He was in great spirits as he appeared alongside hundreds of other graduates at the Caird Hall.
The other Honorary Graduates included Olympian Eilidh Doyle, Lord Cullen of Whitekirk and Insights founder Andi Lothian.
This year’s ceremonies continue until Friday with graduates crossing the stage in-person for the first time since 2019, watched by a full audience of family, friends, supporters and academic staff.
As well as toasting the success of the class of 2022, the ceremonies also recognised the cohorts from 2020 and 2021 who were previously unable to attend in-person events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wednesday’s ceremony on Wednesday included the installation of Abertay’s first female Principal, Professor Liz Bacon who took up the role after previously serving as the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor since 2018.
She said: “Graduation is always the most exciting and important event in the University calendar but this year is that little bit more special given the challenges our graduates have successfully come through.
“It’s hugely pleasing that so many of our new and existing graduates are joining us and I’m looking forward to being a part of their special day.
“This year’s honorary graduates are highly esteemed in their respective fields and are the perfect role models for our graduates and the University more widely.”
Former Scottish rugby union player Doddie, won 61 international caps for the national team and is the founder of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, a charity that raises funds to aid research into the causes of Motor Neurone Disease and investigate potential cures.
Doddie himself announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with the disease.
During his speech, he said: "'m totally flabbergasted why I'm still here. A couple of years ago I celebrated my 50th which was quite a big stepping stone.
"I think the reason is when people are told they have MND, basically they are told they have one or two years to live, and you follow that because that's the norm.
"So for me to be six years in is quite unbelievable."
And he added: "I celebrated my 52nd birthday last week and I've got my silver wedding anniversary on Monday.
"I never thought for a minute I'd be here to celebrate it."
Describing his battle against MND he said: "Six years later, still fighting, still pushing for that cure, and still winning with every new day.
"If things don't go your way, don't give up. Instead, use your tremendous energy and brains, try again.
"There's always a way round, another way to achieve your goals - find it."
Eilidh Doyle is Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete. She represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and won an Olympic bronze medal in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Eilidh was the first woman to carry the flag for Scotland at the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Lord Cullen of Whitekirk was Chancellor of Abertay for a decade from 2009 until 2019.
Formerly Scotland’s most senior judge, he has had a distinguished career in public life, notably leading important and influential inquiries into the Dunblane massacre, the Piper Alpha tragedy and the Ladbroke Grove train crash.
Andi Lothian founded Insights in 1993. From a small two-man consultancy, Insights has grown into a global leader in self-awareness and people development.
The company employs almost 600 people in 18 countries and enjoys an annual turnover of c.£70m.
Prior to Insights, Andi had a successful career as a theatrical agent and bought iconic musicians including The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie to Scotland. He is credited with coining the phrase ‘Beatlemania’.
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