Scots language advocate Matthew Fitt, ScotlandIS chief executive Polly Purvis, psychology professor Bruce Hood and public servant Eddie Frizzell are all to receive honorary degrees from Abertay University.
They will join almost 600 students across four academic schools for morning and afternoon ceremonies at the Caird Hall on July 4.
Matthew Fitt has translated several well-known books into Scots, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Roald Dahl’s The Twits and The House at Pooh Corner.
He is also an official Scots translator for the Scottish Parliament and regularly advises the Scottish Government and local authorities on Scots language policy.
Polly Purvis has been chief executive of digital technology industry body ScotlandIS for the past six years and will retire from the role later this year.
She has spearheaded initiatives to tackle the skills shortage in digital technology, close the gender gap in the industry and helped establish digital skills academy CodeClan.
Bruce Hood is professor of developmental psychology in society at Bristol University and spends time in science communication as a writer, presenter and public speaker.
Professor Hood has a diverse range of research interests including the origins of supernatural beliefs and the science of happiness. He is a former president of the psychology section of the British Science Association.
Eddie Frizzell is a former senior civil servant and has held a number of high-profile roles, including chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service and head of the Scottish Executive’s transport and lifelong learning department.
Mr Frizzell was chair of Abertay University’s Court, a position he held from 2013 until 2018.
Professor Nigel Seaton, principal and vice-chancellor of Abertay University, said: “Our honorary graduates have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields and we are very pleased to recognise their outstanding achievements.
“They are role models for our students, and for the University community more widely, and I look forward to welcoming them to our summer graduation ceremonies.”
