Scottish author and broadcaster Val McDermid was awarded an honorary degree from the University during summer graduation celebrations.
Val McDermid celebrates receiving her honorary degree after the ceremony.
Val McDermid is one of the UK’s most accomplished and respected novelists, and an international number one bestselling author.
Originally from Kirkcaldy in Fife, her books have been translated into more than forty languages and sold over 19 million copies worldwide.
Her multi-award-winning novels have been adapted for TV and radio, most notably the 'Wire in the Blood' and ‘Karen Pirie’ novels, which were adapted in two major ITV series.
Ms McDermid was created an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University’s School of Literature, Languages & Cultures, with a laureation from Director of Communications & Marketing, Theresa Merrick.
The degree was given in recognition of her immense contribution to writing and broadcasting, and in celebration of her success as an author and ambassador for Scottish literature worldwide.
Val McDermid gives her commencement speech at the graduation ceremony in McEwan Hall.
Lifetime achievement
Val attended Kirkcaldy High School before graduating in English from St Hilda’s College, Oxford, the first student from a Scottish state school to do so.
She then embarked on an award-winning sixteen year career in journalism, before beginning to write full-time.
She has written five book series, stand-alone novels, books for children, short story collections and non-fiction titles, publishing over 50 books to date.
She is a leading proponent of crime fiction and its sub-genre ‘tartan noir’ and will publish the 8th edition of her popular ‘Karen Pirie’ series in October 2025.
McDermid has also written extensively for stage, microphone and screen, with several acclaimed dramas broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
She is an experienced broadcaster and cultural commentator, having written and presented TV and radio documentaries, and has also appeared on numerous discussion programmes and panels.
Val McDermid pictured on the processional stairs inside McEwan Hall after receiving her honorary degree.
Multi-faceted career
McDermid is the recipient of many awards, including the CWA Gold Dagger for best crime novel of the year and LA Times Book of the Year Award. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Val has served as a judge for both the Man Booker Prize and Women’s Prize for Fiction and was Chair of the Wellcome Book Prize in 2017.
She has participated at festivals all over the world, notably appearing regularly at Edinburgh’s Festivals, and plays an active role in Scottish civic society.
She is the recipient of eight Honorary Doctorates, including the University of Edinburgh’s, is an Honorary Fellow of St Hilda’s College, Oxford and Professor of Scottish Studies & Crime Fiction at the University of Otago.
Val is also Patron of the Scottish Book Trust, and as a lifelong football fan, a founding sponsor of McDermid Ladies football team, based in Kirkcaldy.
When I was a teenager in Fife more than half a century ago, the University of Edinburgh was a place of glamour and aspiration - and parties! I never imagined I would be the recipient of such an honour. To be awarded an honorary degree is a distinction that reflects not just on my work but on the teachers, writers, publishers, booksellers and readers who have supported me on my way. I'm grateful to all of them, and of course, to the University.
Val McDermid
Author and broadcaster
Honorary Graduates
Sixteen honorary degrees and other awards will be conferred during graduation ceremonies in July.
The University awards honorary degrees to recipients in recognition of in achievements in a diverse range of fields. This year specialisms include literature, music, athletics, architecture, climatology, medicine, veterinary studies, politics, law, cardiology and sustainability.
Other honorary degree recipients include crofter, writer and musician Derek Dick – better known Scottish singer-songwriter Fish - former Great Britain athlete and UK national triple jump coach Aston Moore, and the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Dr Christine Middlemiss.
The University’s summer graduations are currently taking place and conclude on Tuesday 15 July.
Val McDermid is one of the best-selling and internationally acclaimed writers of her generation. Today we celebrate and honour Val for her literary prowess and her commitment to speaking out on issues of significance, inequality and social justice. She has championed writers, artists and individuals in Scotland and beyond, and has long used her profile and talent to speak for those who may not have such a strong voice. We offer congratulations and thanks to Val on all her achievements.
Theresa Merrick
University of Edinburgh Director of Marketing & Communications
