An award-winning Scottish crime writer was recognised as part of University of the West of Scotland’s winter graduations.

Alex Gray, who has published 21 crime novels and is co-founder of Bloody Scotland, the stirling-based crime-writing festival, was celebrated as part of a ceremony taking place at Paisley Abbey today (Thursday 14 November).

Alex, who lives in Renfrewshire, writes novels set around Glasgow and feature Detective Chief Inspector Lorimer and his psychological profiler Solomon Brightman. Alex has also worked as a visiting officer of the Department of Health and Social Security and as an English teacher, beginning to write professionally in 1993. 

A regular on bestseller lists, she won the Scottish Association of Writers’ Constable and Pitlochry trophies.

Dr Christopher O’Donnell, Head of the Division of Psychology and Social Work at UWS, delivered Alex’s laureation, which reflected on her fascinating career as one of Scotland’s most well-known authors. 

Discussing her Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Alex Gray said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award from UWS. Writing is my passion and to be celebrated for doing something I love is just incredible. My advice for students graduating today is to follow your own dreams, which UWS facilitates for all of its students – no matter their individual circumstances and backgrounds. It has been especially pleasing to be recognised by a university local to where I call home, and one that is changing the lives of those in its local communities.” 

My advice for students graduating today is to follow your own dreams, which UWS facilitates for all of its students.

Alex Gray

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the most important event in our University calendar, giving us the opportunity to showcase the fantastic achievements of our students and celebrate each and every one of their successes amongst their families and peers. 

As part of the ceremony, we were delighted to present Alex Gray with this Honorary Doctorate. Alex is the perfect example to our students of someone who has made their dreams a reality and has built a very successful writing career from something she’s truly passionate about.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS