A leading figure in Scotland’s business support sector has been awarded an honorary doctorate by University of the West of Scotland at its summer graduation ceremony in Paisley Abbey.

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University on Tuesday 7 July, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on supporting young people and women in business.

With a career spanning more than three decades across business support, economic development and governance, Evelyn has played a major role in helping entrepreneurs across Scotland access funding, mentoring and practical support to grow their businesses.

Since 2014, she has led Scottish EDGE, one of Scotland’s most prominent business funding competitions, after overseeing its spin-out from Scottish Enterprise. Under her leadership, the organisation has expanded its support for start-ups and scale-ups, increased the average number of winners per round and developed a strong alumni network that provides support for entrepreneurs.

In addition to her role at Scottish EDGE, Evelyn has served as Voluntary Chair of Scottish Design Exchange since 2021, supporting artists and makers across Scotland through improved governance, business growth and expanded retail opportunities.

Her earlier career included 13 years with The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust as Head of Growing business, where she supported hundreds of young entrepreneurs through loan funds, mentoring and business planning. 

Evelyn also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Women’s Enterprise Scotland in 2022 for her support of women in business.

Speaking after receiving the Honorary Doctorate, Evelyn said: "It is a great honour and a privilege to receive this award from the University of the West of Scotland. The University's focus on equality, diversity, inclusion and opportunity reflects values that I have tried to embody throughout my lifetime's work supporting entrepreneurs in Scotland. I am humbled to be associated with UWS and the important work it does in developing graduates with the skills, confidence and mindset to thrive."

The University's focus on equality, diversity, inclusion and opportunity reflects values that I have tried to embody throughout my lifetime's work supporting entrepreneurs in Scotland. I am humbled to be associated with UWS and the important work it does in developing graduates with the skills, confidence and mindset to thrive.

Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish Edge

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “Graduation is one of the most meaningful events in our university calendar. It is a chance to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students, recognise the resilience and commitment that brought them to this point, and thank the families, friends and wider UWS community whose support has been invaluable along the way.

“Evelyn McDonald has made a lasting contribution to Scotland’s enterprise landscape.

“Through her leadership, vision and dedication, she has helped countless entrepreneurs, including young people and women in business, to access the support and resources they need to succeed.

“Her achievements strongly reflect UWS’s commitment to transforming lives and communities, and we are delighted to recognise her with this honorary degree.”

Evelyn has made a lasting contribution to Scotland’s enterprise landscape. Her achievements strongly reflect UWS’s commitment to transforming lives and communities.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

UWS honorary degrees are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, culture, business, public life or the communities the University serves.

The award was presented during UWS’s summer graduations at Paisley Abbey, where students from across the University celebrated their academic achievements with family, friends and supporters.

Evelyn’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly around SDG4, quality education, SDG 5, gender equality, SDG 8, decent work and economic growth, SDG 9, Industry, innovation and infrastructure.