Rugby legend Doddie Weir awarded with honorary degree for MND work at Abertay University

Rugby legend Doddie Weir has been awarded an honorary degree from Abertay University.

The former Scotland international has been recognised for his work raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease, after he was diagnosed with the condition in 2016.

At Dundee’s Caird Hall on Wednesday, the former rugby player donned his iconic tartan suit while members of the university procession wore Doddie tartan broaches and bowties in aid of his charity, My Name’5 Doddie.

He was diagnosed with the condition six years ago and his charity has led to millions of pounds being raised in his name in an attempt to find a cure.

Members of the procession wore Doddie tartan broaches.

Speaking before the ceremony, he admitted he didn’t think he’d still be here to collect the award today.

He said: “I’m very honoured to be receiving this accolade this afternoon, but it’s not about me, it’s about all the people who have helped me.

“If it was not for the support that I have received and the generosity, I don’t think that I would have been here… and it’s very lovely to be in Dundee today.

“I’ve been very positive over the last number of years. But again the thing is, the reason what we are fighting for is to try and find a cure for MND, it is a horrific disease.

“You can see I’m very impaired in my speech, there is very little I can do for myself at the moment, so to be given this accolade today by Abertay is quite amazing and certainly a great honour.”

The former Scotland star admitted he felt none of his achievements would be possible when first diagnosed with the disease.

He added: “I’ve got a wedding anniversary on Monday and I never thought for one moment I’d be here to celebrate that so I’m doing very well and still enjoying quite a lot of Guinness.

“But I have to admit I got Covid back in February and it knocked me back on the red wine a little bit but I’m trying very hard to get the taste back and fighting very strong to get a cure for this horrific issue.

“When people are diagnosed with MND, they are told they have one or two years to live, so for me to still be here six years in is quite unbelievable.”