Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton delivered a defence of human rights and equality as she received an honorary degree from St Andrews University.
Mrs Clinton gave the graduation address at a ceremony to mark the 600th anniversary of the founding of the university.
It was the politician’s first foreign visit since her term as secretary of state ended in February.
She told an audience of education leaders, university staff and students: “We have honoured some of the great advocates here today who have spoken out courageously for women’s rights, gay rights and religious understanding, showing us that our communities and institutions are strongest when equality and opportunity are open to all people and freedom of conscience is respected.Photo gallery: Hillary Clinton in St Andrews“And it is important that as we chart our way forward in this new century, we bring with it the enlightened view that every individual around the world regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity or orientation should be able to contribute to their societies and to have the chance to live up to his or her God-given potential.”.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; padding-top: 30px; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }
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She received a doctor of laws degree from North East Fife MP and university chancellor, Sir Menzies Campbell.
The award marked her efforts to champion the causes of education, human rights, democracy, civil society and promoting opportunities for women around the world.
Mrs Clinton congratulated St Andrews on its 600th anniversary and paid tribute to the 18 other prominent figures honoured during the ceremony.
Honorary degrees were also bestowed on the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, Professor Mary Beard, inventor of the world-wide web, Professor Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Dame Jane Goodall, Professor Dame Marilyn Strathern and Professor Nancy Cartwright.
Earlier, Mrs Clinton tweeted to JK Rowling a picture taken during a tour of St Andrews Cathedral, saying: “Look familiar? Not Hogwarts but beautiful St Andrews.”
Meanwhile Prince William and Pope Francis sent messages of congratulations to St Andrews University to mark its 600th birthday.
Prince William said: “As a proud father I have come to think more than ever about the world our children will inherit, and the role of education, research and intellectual courage in our society has never seemed so important.
“For Catherine and me, the University of St Andrews is an emblem of these virtues.”
The Pope sent his “cordial greetings” to all taking part, and expressed confidence that the “noble work of education and research in a wide range of academic fields will continue to flourish in the city that bears the name of Scotland’s patron saint.”