Strictly star Darcey Bussell picks up honorary degree from Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

STRICTLY star Darcey Bussell has received an honorary degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow.

The TV judge and former ballerina became a ‘doctor of dance’ during a ceremony which also recognised Irish composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and Dame Evelyn Glennie, the world’s first full-time solo percussionist.

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, Principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, conferred the honorary degrees at the ceremonies, where almost 300 students also graduated across the disciplines of music, drama, dance, production, film and education.

Professor Sharkey said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome three outstanding and inspirational individuals in the worlds of music and dance to our community and celebrate their exceptional achievements.

“Darcey Bussell, Dame Evelyn Glennie and Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin have excelled in their chosen art forms and they embody the values and spirit of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland – they are dynamic and creative individuals who have made significant contributions to the cultural landscape.

He added: “We are delighted that Darcey, Evelyn and Mícheál will be our graduation speakers and share this joyful day of celebration with our students and their families. We wish the class of 2017 all the very best as they embark on their professional journeys and a new and exciting chapter of their lives.”

Also receiving an honorary degree today was Oscar-winning film director Oliver Stone.

The 70-year-old fittingly received the award from the University of Edinburgh on July 4, linking the honour to one of his best known films, Born On The Fourth Of July.

Stone has been named a Doctor Honoris Causa “in recognition of his prominent and politically engaging career in film”.

Dr Stone was accompanied at the ceremony by his wife Chong Stone.

The Edinburgh award is the latest honour for former soldier Stone, who has won three Oscars.

The first was for best adapted screenplay as writer of Midnight Express in 1978, before he was named best director for his Vietnam War dramas Platoon in 1986 and Born On The Fourth Of July three years later.

Last year, the director received an honorary doctorate from the University of Warwick and took part in a question and answer session with an invited audience about his film career.

Meanwhile, famous photographer Harry Benson will be honoured by Glasgow Caledonian University on Wednesday.

A collection of his work, including early pictures of The Beatles, Martin Luther King Jr and 12 US presidents, will be on display at the university as the 87-year-old collects his honorary degree.