Young Scot chief receives honorary degree

The Chief Executive of award-winning youth charity Young Scot has received an honorary degree from Edinburgh Napier University. Louise Macdonald is ‘thrilled’ to receive the honour and pledged to continue to play her part in breaking down barriers to participation in education.

Louise began her career as a print journalist before moving to the voluntary sector, where her groundbreaking work has been recognised with a string of honours. 

She was awarded an OBE in 2015, and a year later was named Female Director of the Year in Scotland and Third Sector Director of the Year in the UK by the Institute of Directors.

Prior to moving to Young Scot, where she was appointed Chief Executive in 2008, Louise worked for community projects specialising in volunteering and social enterprise, before moving into national programmes supporting young people.

Earlier this year, through her role at Young Scot, Louise was elected by her international peers to become President of the European Youth Card Association, a membership body of 37 countries who provide youth mobility services to over 6.5m young people across Europe, encouraging active citizenship and inclusion.

Louise joined hundreds of students at a ceremony in the Usher Hall yesterday to receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University. She said: “I am thrilled to be awarded this honour by Edinburgh Napier, particularly given their commitment and hard work around widening access and participation for all young people – an issue that is close to my heart. 

“I have seen first-hand how having the opportunity to learn in a place like this can transform the lives of young people and I hope I can continue to play my part in breaking down the barriers to allow even more brilliant and diverse young Scots to take that path.”

The other Edinburgh Napier University honorary degree recipients at this week’s graduation celebrations are Neil Rackham, world-renowned sales expert, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration on Wednesday, and Professor Sally Brown, education consultant, who received an Honorary Doctorate of Education yesterday.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “It is wonderful to see people who have made such a significant impact in the worlds of business and education joining our celebrations. Their drive, talent and enthusiasm will inspire our students as they set out to make their own mark on the world.”