‘Dignity’ and determination celebrated at The Open University in Scotland’s graduation ceremony

From Gretna Green to Orkney, graduates aged between 20 and 90 crossed the stage today (Friday 24 October) at The Open University’s (OU) 2025 graduation ceremonies at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, celebrating 660 stories of effort, opportunity and quiet pride.

On a day filled with music, applause and emotion, it felt fitting that two of Scotland’s best-loved voices, Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh of Deacon Blue (pictured above), were among those honoured. Their songs of work, hope and belonging echo the same spirit that defines The Open University’s graduates.

They were joined by international foreign-affairs expert Dr Fiona Hill, as the University celebrated Scotland’s enduring creativity, resilience and sense of community.

Almost half (48%) of today’s graduates are the first in their family to gain a university-level qualification, while 30% have declared a disability, highlighting the OU’s mission to widen access and make higher education open to everyone. Graduates come from every walk of life, each with their own reason for returning to study.

Abigail Craig, 20, from West Lothian, the youngest graduate this year, completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) History degree, having left school earlier to focus on her mental health: “At school I really struggled with my mental health, but at the OU I could study at my own pace and the support was always there when I needed it. Not having to cope with the stress and noise of the school environment made a huge difference, and I’ve recovered. Graduating today feels honestly surreal.”

Eddie McLean, OU Graduate

Paul Slevin, 34, a taxi driver from Coatbridge, graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology with Counselling: “Studying with the OU gave me a real sense of purpose. The flexibility meant I could fit learning around my shifts. It’s a great university for anyone who thinks it’s too late for a change.”

For Eddie McLean, 54, from Comrie, (pictured right) study mid-career helped formalise his expertise in the renewables sector: “The Open University offers real opportunities that fit around real lives, work, family or other commitments.”

Aberdeenshire couple Arlene Warrick-Mohammed and Elvis Mohammed graduated together, balancing work, family life and study: “Achieving our degrees together is a testament to our resilience, teamwork and belief in each other,” said Arlene.

Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh received honorary doctorates for their outstanding contribution to arts, culture and society.

As co-lead voices of Deacon Blue since Raintown (1987), they have helped shape cultural life with twelve UK Top 40 singles and two No. 1 albums. Ross is an award-winning BBC broadcaster and songwriter. McIntosh is an accomplished stage and screen actor, with credits from Ken Loach’s My Name Is Joe to BBC’s River City. Together they support a wide number of charities including SCIAF, MusicAll and Simon Community Scotland.

Ricky Ross said:
“To be recognised in this way by The Open University is a huge honour. Music has always been about telling stories that connect people, and we are proud to stand alongside graduates whose own stories reflect creativity, commitment and hope.”

Lorraine McIntosh added:
“We have always believed in the power of community and second chances. The OU’s work in opening doors for people of all ages and backgrounds truly captures what Scotland is about. To receive this honour in our home city makes it especially meaningful.”

Fiona Hill, OU Honorary Graduate

Also honoured today, Dr Fiona Hill (pictured right) is a leading foreign-policy adviser to three US Presidents and a respected author and academic. She received an honorary degree for her contribution to global affairs, democratic scrutiny and equality of opportunity.

Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said:
“These graduates represent the best of open education: determined, diverse and rooted in their communities. Many studied while working or caring, and many are the first in their family to go to university. The result is talent Scotland can feel in every town, island and industry. We are proud to celebrate that spirit alongside Dr Fiona Hill, Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross, whose contributions to culture and public life continue to inspire.”

Joint 1st in Scotland for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2025, The Open University is the largest provider of part-time higher education in Scotland, with 72% of OU students studying while in full-time or part-time employment.

It's obviously fantastic to be here. I mean, look, all the success is to the graduates today from The Open University, it's an amazing institution. They've worked incredibly hard.

I mean most people are working full-time, they're looking after their families, you know, their carers for people and it's just an amazing accomplishment. And it's really hard to do a degree when you've not got any of those things, and I think The Open University is, again, it's just an incredible institution.

The head of The Open University here in Scotland, Martin Boyle, said it's like a movement and I think that's absolutely true. So I couldn't be more delighted and more honoured to have a an honour degree from The Open University.

Well, look, I think they've already made an incredible step because again, it's taken persistence and dedication, patience and a lot of hard work to get where they are, and that's what it takes to succeed in any capacity. So I think they're already, you know, most of the way there, and I think you also have got to remember that everything is a long career, and I mean, there are some of the graduates today who are my age and perhaps even, you know, a bit older, I mean, I just turned 60,and I just think it's never too late to get an education. It's never too late to just think about, you know, what more you can do in your life, and I just hope that everyone remember just how impressive they are.

I think the really important thing is being part of the network of friends and family and also the people that you're studying with. Today's ceremony is amazing because so many people had so much support from their friends and family here. I think that's the thing that they have to take forward with them.

You know, you never have to do everything alone and once you're part of something like The Open University, you have this network of people they're always going to have with you. And people should just think about supporting each other across every step of their careers as well as they have already during their degrees.

I just want to say well done. Congratulations to all the graduates to The Open University and all the people who are still working on their degrees. Keep at it and you're going to do great.

Photos by Kathryn Tuckerman.

24 October 2025