A tourism chief executive who has helped shape national debate on short-term lets, regulation and sustainable tourism has been awarded an honorary doctorate by University of the West of Scotland.

Fiona Campbell MBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), received the honorary degree of Doctor of the University during UWS’s summer graduations at Paisley Abbey on 9 July.

The award recognises Fiona’s achievements in research, teaching, civic engagement and leadership, and her contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy.

Since becoming the ASSC’s first Chief Executive in 2015, Fiona has overseen significant growth in the organisation and strengthened its role as a key representative body for Scotland’s self-catering sector.

She is widely recognised for her work in tourism policy and legal reform, including her contribution to debate and policy development around short-term let licensing, planning law and visitor levy policy.

Fiona’s influence extends beyond industry, with her work also contributing to public debate, academic discussion and published research on the impact of regulation on Scotland’s self-catering and hospitality sectors.

Her contribution to Scottish tourism was recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, when she was awarded an MBE. She was also named CEO of the Year in 2023, Tourism Individual of the Year for the West of Scotland at the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards, and Specialist Director of the Year for Tourism Policy and Reform at the 2025 Institute of Directors Awards.

Fiona is also Vice Chair of the Scottish Tourism Alliance Policy Group and a founding Director of Scottish Agritourism.

Speaking after receiving the honorary doctorate, Fiona Campbell MBE said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland. Over the past few years, I've worked with UWS as a guest lecturer, researcher and collaborator and seen first-hand its unwavering commitment to ensuring knowledge makes a real difference in communities, businesses and everyday lives - a belief in practical impact I care about deeply. I am enormously grateful for this honour and for the chance to keep supporting UWS's students and wider community. I hope my own journey shows there is no single path to success."

I am enormously grateful for this honour and for the chance to keep supporting UWS's students and wider community. I hope my own journey shows there is no single path to success.

Fiona Campbell MBE

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the West of Scotland, said: “Graduation is one of the most important and celebrated occasions in the University calendar. It marks the culmination of our students' hard work, determination and success, while also recognising the encouragement and support of their families, friends and the wider UWS community throughout their academic journey.

“Fiona has made an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s tourism sector through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to supporting businesses and communities.

“Her work reflects values we hold dear at UWS, including civic engagement and making a social and economic difference.

“We are delighted to recognise Fiona’s achievements with this honorary degree and to celebrate the example she sets for our students and graduates.”

Fiona has made an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s tourism sector through her leadership, advocacy and commitment to supporting businesses 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.

Fiona’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.