Along with fellow honorary graduand, writer Rona Munro, Monty will celebrate alongside more than 1,000 University of Stirling students, and their family and friends, over two days of ceremonies on the Stirling campus. The University is recognising Monty Don for his outstanding contribution to horticulture, broadcasting and charity.
“Monty, whose television and writing work has been prolific, has had a lifelong passion for gardening, although no formal training. A keen proponent of organic gardening and sustainable beekeeping, Monty has spoken out about the therapeutic benefits of gardening for mental and physical health. He has written of his own struggle with depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Monty has hosted a range of programmes across the BBC and Channel 4, including Channel 4’s Real Gardens and Fork to Fork and, for the BBC, programmes including Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens, Paradise Gardens and Italian Gardens, Around the World in 80 Gardens, and Chelsea Flower Show. He has hosted BBC Two’s Gardeners’ World for the best part of two decades. Writing credits include The Observer, Daily Mail and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine. He is also the author of more than 20 books”, states the University.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “Monty Don and Rona Munro are truly inspiring in their fields, which intersect film, media, creative writing, the environment and history. All of these are popular subjects of study and research at the University of Stirling. Monty and Rona also share Stirling’s purpose of making a real difference to the world in their respective fields. They are excellent role models for the students about to graduate with them.”
The Stirling winter graduation ceremony will take place on the 23rd and 24th of November.