HE became a household name through his portrayal of long-suffering hippy student Neil in cult BBC comedy The Young Ones.
And now the celebrated actor, author and playwright Nigel Planer is to be awarded an honorary degree by Edinburgh Napier University.
The star of stage and screen is among figures from the arts, academia and business worlds due to be recognised by the University this week.
A founder member of The Comedy Store and pioneer of the UK’s alternative comedy scene, Planer will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts on Tuesday 14 June.
He will join around 2000 Edinburgh Napier students graduating at ceremonies held at the Usher Hall between June 14 and 15.
“I am delighted to receive this honour and the responsibility that necessarily accompanies it,” said Nigel.
“It has particular significance for me since, forty years ago, I flunked out of my university education after one year, for reasons probably best forgotten. I have been trying to compensate for this gaffe ever since.”
The other Edinburgh Napier University honorary degree recipients over the two days of are:
- Karen Carlton – Scotland’s Public Appointments Commissioner. She will receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University on Tuesday, 14 June. 11am ceremony.
- Professor Roger Hood – Emeritus Professor of Criminology and Fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford. And former Director of the Centre for Criminological Research, All Souls College. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Law on Tuesday, 14 June. 3pm ceremony.
- Sir Sandy Crombie – Chairman of Creative Scotland and former Chief Executive of the Standard Life Group. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration on Tuesday, 14 June. 3pm ceremony.
- Roger Miller – Former Managing Director and Chairman of The Miller Group, the house building, property development and construction business. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate of the University on Wednesday, 15 June. 11am ceremony.
- David Baker – Chief Executive of Robust Details Ltd. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering on Wednesday, 15 June. 11am ceremony.
- Tom Nelson - Director of Forensic Services for the Scottish Police Service Authority. He will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science on Wednesday, 15 June. 3pm ceremony.
- Anne Brobbel – Former Deputy Principal of George Watson’s College. She will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Education on Wednesday, 15 June. 3pm ceremony.
Professor Dame Joan Stringer, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: “We are delighted to be honouring individuals who have made such significant contributions to enriching our culture, building our economies and servicing our communities in so many ways. Their achievements together with their qualities are an inspiration to our students.”