Honorary degrees for Nicola Benedetti and Joan Armatrading

Allan Crow
By Allan Crow
Published 1st Dec 2022, 09:34 BST
Updated 1st Dec 2022, 09:34 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Violinist Nicola Benedetti and singer-songwriter Joan Armatrading received honorary degrees from the University of St Andrews this week.

They were among the VIPs at four graduation ceremonies held to celebrate the achievements of over 1000 students.

Benedetti and Armatrading both received Doctor of Music (DMus).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Grammy award-winning violinist, from West Kilbride, is a renowned musician, and a dedicated, passionate ambassador and leader in music education.

Joan Armatrading and Nicola Benedetti at the graduation ceremonies in St AndrewsJoan Armatrading and Nicola Benedetti at the graduation ceremonies in St Andrews
Joan Armatrading and Nicola Benedetti at the graduation ceremonies in St Andrews

She was awarded her degree by University Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Sally Mapstone at the fourth and final winter graduation ceremony in the town's Younger Hall.

Armatrading was also at the university to receive her honorary degree which recognised her outstanding career which spans five decades.

She is a three-times Grammy Award nominee, and received an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection in 1996. Armatrading has released 20 studio albums.

She has received a number of honorary degrees including from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, and the Open University