Stars of Still Game awarded honorary degrees at Queen Margaret University ceremony in Edinburgh

Two stars of Still Game were amongst the creative talent who were awarded honorary degrees at a graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, best known for playing Isa Drennan and Tam Mullen in the much loved comedy series, were both honoured at Queen Margaret University (QMU) for the memorable contribution they have made to the cultural life of Scotland.

The pair were granted the title Doctor of the University, Honoris Causa at the ceremony which was held at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – the first in-person graduation ceremony since 2019.

The duo went on to entertain the audience with their comedy banter, whilst regaling them with tales of their experiences on stage and screen – and their student days studying acting at the university.

They were joined by former children’s TV presenter Paul Ewing and Mostafa Salameh, the first Arab to climb Mount Everest from its south side, who were both also students at the university.

This year’s ceremony marked the institution’s first in-person graduation to be held since 2019, and in the year in which the institution celebrated 50 years of teaching drama and performing arts.

Sir Paul Grice, principal of QMU, said: “We are delighted that, today, our students have the opportunity to learn about the careers of actors and creatives, Jane McCarry, Mark Cox and Paul Ewing, and the adventurer, mountaineer and charity fundraiser, Mostafa Salameh.

“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.”