Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / EDINBURGH AND EAST
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

Thursday, 13 July 2006, 17:22 GMT 18:22 UK

Sir Jackie given honorary degree

Sir Jackie Stewart Three times Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart has received an honorary degree at Edinburgh University.

The former racing car driver received the accolade for his "talent and courage in sport and business".

Sir Jackie, who was Formula One World Champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973, also received "special recognition for his support for people with dyslexia".

Mountaineer and author Joe Simpson also received a degree.

They both received a Doctor honoris causa degree in a ceremony at McEwan Hall on Thursday.

Lead the way

Mr Simpson's best-selling book, Touching the Void, inspired the award-winning film of the same name.

Sir Jackie said his battle with dyslexia had been tougher than life behind the wheel.

"Motor racing is a different thing - that was easy. God gave me the gift for that bit. The hand-eye co-ordination worked for that," he said.

"Ten per cent of the entire population of this country are dyslexic.

"That means half a million people. If they're not helped to reach their full potential, they will be failures in life."

He said Scotland had the potential to lead the way in the early diagnosis of the condition.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
New dyslexia role speeding ahead (12 Dec 05 |  Scotland )
Stewart confident over GP future (16 Aug 05 |  Formula One )
Stewart re-elected as president (12 May 05 |  Motorsport )
Stewart makes Silverstone pledge (10 Dec 04 |  Formula One )
Silverstone seals British GP deal (09 Dec 04 |  Formula One )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Edinburgh University
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©