From Raintown to Royal Concert Hall: OU honours Deacon Blue legends

Lorraine McIntosh and Ricky Ross holding graduation scrolls

Scottish music icons Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh were awarded honorary degrees from The Open University today (Friday 24 October 2025), in recognition of their outstanding contribution to arts, culture and society.

The ceremony which took place at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, with 660 graduates joined them to cross the stage and celebrate their achievements.

The couple, who came to fame as the lead voices of the much-loved band Deacon Blue, have shaped Scotland’s cultural life for nearly four decades. Since their debut album Raintown in 1987, Deacon Blue have enjoyed global success, with twelve UK Top 40 singles, two number one albums and international tours that continue today.

Their anthemic song Dignity, written by Ross, remains a defining soundtrack for Scotland and was performed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Glasgow.

Beyond their musical partnership, Ricky and Lorraine have each forged acclaimed careers: Ricky as a songwriter, solo artist and award-winning BBC broadcaster, and Lorraine as a stage and screen actress, appearing in productions from Ken Loach’s My Name Is Joe to BBC’s River City.

They are also passionate advocates for social causes. As ambassadors for SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund), they have witnessed first-hand projects supporting communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, while closer to home Lorraine supports Glasgow’s Nightstop charity, helping vulnerable young people. Together they also back the charities MusicAll and Simon Community Scotland.

Reflecting on the award, 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’re proud to have been part of Scotland’s story over the years.

"The OU’s mission of opening up opportunity to everyone resonates deeply with us, and it’s inspiring to stand alongside so many graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their goals.”

The OU’s mission of opening up opportunity to everyone resonates deeply with us, and it’s inspiring to stand alongside so many graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their goals.”
Ricky Ross

Lorraine McIntosh added:
“I am humbled to accept this award, not just for our music but for the values we try to live by. Scotland has given us so much - inspiration, community, a place to grow. To receive this honour in Glasgow, our home city, means the world.

"I hope it encourages others to believe that with determination, learning and support, anything is possible.”

Martin Boyle, Director of The Open University in Scotland, commented:
“Ricky and Lorraine’s creativity has touched generations, but what also shines through is their compassion and commitment to making a difference.

"They embody the values of The Open University, breaking barriers, creating opportunities and giving back to society. We are proud to recognise them as part of our OU family.”

The honorary degrees highlight Ricky and Lorraine’s lasting impact on Scotland’s cultural landscape and their dedication to causes that reflect the University’s values. Deacon Blue’s new album The Great Western Road is out now.

People who are actually graduating have worked really, really hard for this and we're honoured to be among them. We're very pleased that it's The Open University.

I mean, we've got a niece and I have a cousin who have both graduated and both gone on to the, and lots of friends, lots of friends. And it's just a fantastic, you know, fantastic concept.

So I think particularly glad it's The Open University. It's fantastic that music and people who are involved in music is being recognised. So for us, that means a lot.

Photo by Kathryn Tuckerman.

24 October 2025