Singer and songwriter Eddi Reader MBE has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UWS for her contribution to music and the arts.

 

The award was presented at the University’s Winter Graduation ceremony at Paisley Abbey on Tuesday 18 November, where she joined hundreds of graduating students celebrating their achievements.

 

Born and raised in Glasgow until she was 16 and then spending her late teens in Irvine, Eddi Reader began performing at a young age, using music as a way to connect with others through busking and appearances in local folk clubs. Her career has spanned genres and decades. From early work with post-punk band Gang of Four and singing with Annie Lennox while touring with the Eurythmics, to international success with Fairground Attraction, whose chart-topping single Perfect and debut album First of a Million Kisses became defining hits of the late 1980s.

 

Eddi’s subsequent solo career has seen her craft a diverse body of work across albums such as Mirmama, Eddi Reader, Simple Soul, and Songs of Robert Burns, which brought her widespread critical acclaim and connected Scottish musical heritage to audiences across the globe.

 

She was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to singing and continues to inspire through her creative exploration of both traditional and contemporary music.

Reflecting on the honour, Dr Reader said: “To be recognised by the University of the West of Scotland, so close to where my own journey began, is deeply moving. Music has always been about connection – connection with people and with emotion. To receive this award in Paisley Abbey, surrounded by students about to begin their own journey, feels very special.”

 

Music has always been about connection – connection with people and with emotion. To receive this award in Paisley Abbey, surrounded by students about to begin their own journey, feels very special.

 

Eddi Reader

 

The laureation speech was delivered by Dr Clare Duffin, Lecturer and Programme Leader for MA Music at UWS, who praised Eddi’s contribution to the arts and her enduring influence on Scottish culture.

 

Dr Duffin said: “Eddi Reader’s voice has shaped the sound of modern Scotland. She has brought authenticity and emotional honesty to everything she does, from folk traditions to contemporary songwriting. Her work exemplifies the power of music to unite and uplift communities, and we are honoured to celebrate her here today.”

 

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, added: “In presenting Eddi Reader with this Honorary Doctorate, we are not only recognising a remarkable artist, but a voice that has carried Scotland’s stories and spirit to the world. Eddi’s contributions to music and culture have inspired generations, reminding us of the power of authenticity and the transformative reach of the arts. I know that her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft will have inspired many of our students and graduates.”

 

Eddi’s contributions to music and culture have inspired generations, reminding us of the power of authenticity and the transformative reach of the arts. I know that her extraordinary talent and dedication to her craft will have inspired many of our students and graduates.

 

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS