QMU honorary degrees for actress, food entrepreneur, festival leader & forensic scientist

Over the course of three graduation ceremonies held in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, the four inspirational women and the newly installed Chancellor celebrated the achievements of hundreds of new Queen Margaret University graduates. This year, the ceremonies were particularly special as they have taken place in the year that QMU celebrates its 150th anniversary. The Chancellor and honorary graduates were joined by 6000 new graduates and guests, over the two days of celebration.  

Ashley Jensen, Scottish actress and narrator 

Ashley, best known for her leading role as DI Ruth Calder in the hit TV drama, ‘Shetland’ and her time playing Maggie Jacobs alongside Ricky Gervais in the comedy series ‘Extras’, was brought up in Annan, Dumfriesshire. Her time studying drama at what was then Queen Margaret College (now Queen Margaret University) laid the foundation for a career marked by versatility, emotional depth, and authenticity. 

Her success in TV’s Extras, for which she earned two British Comedy Awards and a BAFTA nomination, introduced her to a global audience. She went on to star in the American hit TV show ‘Ugly Betty’, where producers embraced her Scottish identity, rewriting her character to match her accent. In 2019, Ashley reunited with her Extras co-star Ricky Gervais for hit Netflix black comedy series ‘After Life’, a role she continued for all three series. 

Her work spans stage and screen, from early theatre roles with Glasgow’s Citizens Theatre and Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, to leading roles in Sky One’s ‘Agatha Raisin’ and ‘Shetland’. In her recent starring role in ‘Shetland’, she brought a fresh perspective and emotional nuance to a beloved series, reaffirming her ability to lead and evolve. 

Ashley’s voice has also become a familiar presence in animated films like ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, as well as in documentaries such as Channel 4’s ‘Embarrassing Bodies’, BBC 2’s ‘Designing the Hebrides’, and national campaigns. She is also a passionate advocate for the arts in Scotland – supporting emerging talent, promoting diversity in casting, and championing mental health awareness in the creative industries. 

Shona McCarthy, former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society 

The University also recognised the exceptional leadership and transformative impact that Shona McCarthy has had on the arts. 

For nine years, Shona led the world’s largest arts festival with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity. Under her leadership, the Fringe thrived through economic shifts and the pandemic, whilst becoming more accessible and representative. She championed emerging artists, expanded international collaborations, and introduced initiatives such as performer bursaries and relaxed performances, ensuring the Fringe remained a vibrant, welcoming space for all. 

Shona’s influence extends far beyond Edinburgh. As Chief Executive of the Culture Company, she led Derry-Londonderry’s landmark year as the first UK City of Culture in 2013. She has also held senior roles with the British Council Northern Ireland, Imagine Belfast, and the Northern Ireland Film Council, and led youth-focused film festivals including Cinemagic and the Foyle Film Festival. 

Her contributions to the arts have been recognised with a NESTA Cultural Leadership Award and an Eisenhower Fellowship, connecting her to a global network of changemakers. She has also served as Chair of ‘Walk the Plank’ and Belfast’s ‘Oh Yeah Music Centre’. 

Carol Rogers – Forensic operation lead - Major Crime (Sexual Offences) 

As National Lead Forensic Scientist for Sexual Offences with the Scottish Police Authority’s Forensic Services, Carol Rogers has advanced forensic science, bringing justice to countless victims of sexual offences.  

As one of the most respected experts in her field, Carol has dedicated over two decades of her life to the meticulous and often harrowing work of forensics. Working in major crime, she has led forensic investigations in numerous major cases, including murders and serious sexual offences. Recently, her work was highlighted on the BBC Scotland crime documentary ‘The Hunt for Peter Tobin’ where she discussed the painstaking investigation of the serial killer’s crime scene – work which led to his successful conviction.  

Carol’s expertise in blood pattern analysis, body fluid analysis, damage interpretation, and DNA interpretation has been instrumental in solving some of Scotland's most notorious crimes. Her ability to provide expert testimony in court has been crucial in securing convictions and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, bringing closure to victims and their families.  

Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne, Director of Genius Foods  

Lucinda, the visionary founder of Genius Foods, trained as a chef at the Leith School of Food and Wine, a prestigious cook school founded by QMU’s former Chancellor, Dame Prue Leith. But when her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies and a severe intolerance to gluten, Lucinda embarked on a challenge to create gluten-free bread that would not only meet the dietary needs of her family, but also satisfy the taste buds of consumers everywhere.  

In 2009, she founded Genius Foods, which quickly became a global leader in gluten-free products. Her relentless innovation and commitment to quality have improved the lives of millions living with coeliac disease and other dietary restrictions. 

Lucinda’s influence extends beyond product development. She is a published author, educator, and advocate for food allergy awareness. Her books, including ‘How to Cook for Food Allergies’, have empowered home cooks and professionals alike. Lucinda’s recent appointment as Executive Chair of the New Town Cookery School in Edinburgh will see her help shape the future of culinary education.  

A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and founding member of the Gluten Free Industry Association, Lucinda is also an Innovate UK ambassador. Her leadership has driven progress in food science and industry standards. 

Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, said: “In the year that Queen Margaret University celebrates its 150th anniversary, we are delighted to welcoming Patrick Grant to the esteemed position of Chancellor, and to recognise the significant contributions of these four inspirational women. Each one of these individuals is an inspiration to our new graduates and we are proud to honour the mark they each have made on the world and their work striving to be a force for good.”