BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) for a leading career in journalism.
The broadcast journalist, who has been in his current role since 2021, is a familiar face on the flagship TV news programme Reporting Scotland.
Originally from Islay, his time reporting from Holyrood and Westminster has encompassed major political stories such as the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, Brexit, and numerous election campaigns.
In 2023, Glenn was diagnosed with brain cancer, after a seizure revealed a cancerous tumour. He publicly shared his story of undergoing surgery and treatment to raise awareness and funds for brain cancer research – founding the fundraising community Brain Power.
During a graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, Glenn was formally made a Doctor of the University in recognition of his journalism career and fundraising for brain cancer research.
Reacting to his honorary doctorate, Glenn Campbell said: “It feels really special to be honoured with a degree from Edinburgh Napier University, especially because it's something that I've never really expected.
“It does mean a lot to me because this is actually the first degree I've ever been awarded. I did go to university, but I didn't stay around long enough to graduate, mainly because I couldn't see how a degree in geography was going to help me find a career in journalism.
“So I did it my own way and started my career through polite persistence, by knocking on doors, sometimes for a second and third time, until eventually one creaked open and I got my chance.
“Everyone else who's graduating today has put in several years of academic study to get their honours. I think that it's really important to make sure that this day is really about their achievements rather than anything I've done.
“I have absolutely had a blast in journalism. It's been a fantastic career. It still is.”
Presenting Glenn with his honorary doctorate, Miranda Hurst, Lecturer in Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “Glenn has performed this multifaceted role with dedication and panache, at a time when credible and robust reporting is very much under threat.
“Journalism is at its best when it champions the underserved, gives a voice to the weak and holds the powerful to account.
“Glenn has also shown that being a trusted and well kent face can be a powerful driver for change.”