FAMOUS faces from the small screen have been among the creative talent and inspirational personalities awarded honorary degrees at Queen Margaret University (QMU).
Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, best known for playing the busybody Isa Drennan and the tight-fisted old miser Tam Mullen in the much-loved Scottish TV comedy series Still Game, were among those recognised at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.
The two stars were both granted the title Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa, on Tuesday.
Jane McCarry and Mark Cox were among those receiving awarded honorary degrees at Queen Margaret University. Picture: Malcolm Cochrane Photography
Actors Mark and Jane were joined by the multi-talented Paul Ewing, an actor, voice artist, presenter, producer, singer, songwriter, and music composer; and Mostafa Salameh, the first Arab to climb Mount Everest from its south side, and who is one of only 10 people in the world to have completed the ‘Explorer’s Grand Slam’, at the ceremony.
Having all studied at the university, based in Musselburgh, several years ago, Mark, Jane, Paul and Mostafa were delighted to celebrate their honorary degree awards and the success of new graduates.
The ceremony was the university’s first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019, and in the year in which the institution celebrated 50 years of teaching drama and performing arts.
From left: Mostafa Salameh, Prue Leith (QMU chancellor) and Paul Ewing. Image: Malcolm Cochrane Photography
Sir Paul Grice, principal of Queen Margaret University, was delighted with the success of the former students.
He said: “We are inspired by Jane, Mark and Paul’s outstanding creativity and their endless ability to engage and entertain.
“Mostafa’s passion for social justice, and his commitment to improving the lives of the disadvantaged, reflects QMU’s values.
“Mostafa dared to dream and what followed was, and continues to be, extraordinary.
“We are truly honoured to have such exceptional individuals at graduation and we are delighted to recognise their impressive achievements with honorary degrees.”
BBC sitcom Still Game aired between 2002 and 2019, and Jane and Mark were part of the multi-award-winning team.
Jane McCarry and Mark Cox were among those receiving awarded honorary degrees at Queen Margaret University. Picture: Malcolm Cochrane Photography
The programme won awards from BAFTA Scotland, Scottish Comedy Awards, Rose d’Or and many more.
Both actors also played numerous roles in the Scottish sketch show Chewin’ the Fat, which ran between 1999 and 2005, while Jane has starred in Rab C Nesbitt and Cbeebies programme Me Too!
Meanwhile, Mark has had parts in a wealth of shows, ranging from Shetland and Rebus to Outlander and Scots Squad.
Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, pictured with Prue Leith, chancellor of Queen Margaret University, were among those receiving awarded honorary degrees from the university. Picture: Malcolm Cochrane Photography
Paul had early success as a children’s presenter, working on more than 250 children’s shows for the BBC in the late 1990s and 2000s.
He now spends most of his time making music, including for theatre productions, TV commercials, short films and feature films.
He was commissioned by the Royal Foundation in Thailand, where he now lives, to compose the official birthday song for the late king’s 85th birthday.
Born to refugee parents who met in a Palestinian refugee camp, Mostafa was brought up in Kuwait.
He transformed his life by gaining a degree in hospitality and tourism from QMU.
Since then, he has reached the summits of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.
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