Scottish author Val McDermid awarded an honorary degree from University of Edinburgh

Scottish author Val McDermid has been awarded an honorary degree from University of Edinburgh.

Originally from Kirkcaldy, Val is one of the UK’s most accomplished and respected novelists, an international number one bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than forty languages and sold over 19 million copies worldwide.

Her multi-award-winning series and standalone novels have been adapted for TV and radio, most notably the Wire in the Blood series featuring clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill and DCI Carol Jordan. Her ‘Karen Pirie’ novels have also been adapted for a major ITV series.

Val has been created an honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Edinburgh’s School of Literature, Languages & Cultures during this afternoon’s 3pm ceremony, following a laureation from the University’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Theresa Merrick.

The award is given in recognition of her contribution to writing and broadcasting, and in celebration of her success as an author and ambassador for Scottish literature worldwide.

‘When I was a teenager in Fife more than half a century ago, the University of Edinburgh was a place of glamour and aspiration – and parties,’ Val said.

‘I never imagined I would be the recipient of such an honour. To be awarded an honorary degree is a distinction that reflects not just on my work but on the teachers, writers, publishers, booksellers and readers who have supported me on my way. I’m grateful to all of them, and of course, to the University.’

Val attended Kirkcaldy High School before graduating in English from St Hilda’s College, Oxford University – the first student from a Scottish state school to do so – before going on to work as an award-winning journalist for sixteen years before beginning her writing career.

She has written five book series, stand-alone novels, books for children, short story collections and non-fiction titles, publishing over 50 books to date. She is a leading proponent of crime fiction and its sub-genre ‘tartan noir’ and will publish the 8th edition of her popular ‘Karen Pirie’ series in October 2025.

An experienced broadcaster and cultural commentator, Val has guest edited BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, fronted features for BBC Two’s cultural programming, written and presented radio documentaries, and appeared on a range of TV shows, including Question Time and Have I Got News for You.

Val captained the winning alumnae team for Oxford on the 2016 University Challenge Christmas special and is a previous Celebrity Mastermind champion.

She is Patron of the Scottish Book Trust, and as a lifelong football fan, a founding sponsor of McDermid Ladies football team, based in Kirkcaldy.

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