Fans of crime novels who attended Dundee University’s Thursday graduation ceremony had an excuse for being Star Struck.
That is the title of one of the many books by Val McDermid, who was receiving an honorary degree.
The Kirkcaldy-born author has managed to be both acclaimed by the critics and popular with the public and her work was adapted for the long-running TV series, Wire in the Blood.
Asked for her reaction to her honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Val said: “I am just thrilled. Even though I am from Fife, it’s a great honour. Dundee is definitely on the up these days and I am very proud to be part of that.”
Her own studies took her to St Hilda’s College in Oxford, where she read English.
“I had three very good years at Oxford and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I went there determined to make the most of what was on offer and I think I can certainly say I did that.”
Val went on to spend 14 years as a national newspaper journalist, covering major stories such as the Yorkshire Ripper murders and campaigning to expose abuse in old people’s homes.
Her first novel was published in 1987 and has been followed by many more. In 2010 she was awarded the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger Award.
Val has worked closely with the university’s renowned forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black and helped to instigate the Million for a Morgue campaign to help pay for a new forensic centre.
There are 10 crime writers taking part in the fundraising effort and donations are made in their name.
The author with the most donors backing them will have the morgue named after them and so far Val is in the lead.
Dundee is itself taking part in an important competition the one to be named the UK’s City of Culture 2017 and Val offered her support.
“Certainly, looking at the competition, I would be voting for Dundee if I had a vote,” said Val.
Her advice to the graduating students as they embark on their lives outside university could apply just as well to the city as it seeks the honour.
“The thing I would always say is dare to dream and don’t let other people tell you you’ve got no right to your dreams,” said Val.
Professor Black delivered the laureation at Caird Hall before the presentation of the honorary degree.
She said: “Val McDermid and I are long-standing friends who naturally don’t always agree on everything but there is one matter upon which we are firmly united there is nothing more exciting than having a dead body in the room!”