Renowned author to be honored by University of the Highlands and Islands
The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has announced that Diana Gabaldon, the best-selling author known for the Outlander series, will be awarded an honorary doctorate. The announcement marks a celebration of Gabaldon’s literary contributions and her impact on Scottish culture and storytelling around the world.
What the honor represents
Honorary doctorates are conferred to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to a field or to society at large. In Gabaldon’s case, the accolade highlights not only her success as a novelist but also the way her works have shone a spotlight on the Scottish Highlands, love stories, and historical narratives. The UHI decision underscores the university’s commitment to celebrating authors who help bring regional history and culture to a global audience.
Gabaldon’s work and its ties to the Highlands
Gabaldon’s Outlander series centers on 18th-century Scotland, weaving romance, adventure, and history in a setting that closely mirrors the Highlands. Readers around the world have become captivated by the landscapes, traditions, and language that characterize her fiction. The author’s enduring popularity has contributed to increased interest in Scottish heritage, travel, and learning, aligning with UHI’s mission to promote education within the Highlands and Islands.
A milestone for the author and the university
Receiving an honorary doctorate is a milestone that places Gabaldon among scholars, artists, and public figures who have helped shape contemporary culture. For UHI, the award affirms a fruitful relationship between contemporary literature and regional education, encouraging students and aspiring writers to explore historical storytelling and its modern relevance. The ceremony is expected to draw academics, literature enthusiasts, and supporters from across Scotland and beyond.
What this means for students and the literary community
For students, the honor serves as an inspiring example of how rigorous research, vivid storytelling, and cultural empathy can translate into recognition at the highest levels of academia. It also demonstrates how popular fiction can function as a bridge to serious scholarly inquiry—inviting readers to engage with history, culture, and language in meaningful ways. The UHI award invites new conversations about how authors influence regional identity and global perceptions of Scotland.
Looking ahead
As Gabaldon continues to publish and engage with fans, this honorary doctorate may pave the way for future collaborations, readings, or lectures that connect the Highlands’ past with contemporary literary thought. The university’s leadership has signaled that the ceremony will be a thoughtful celebration of Gabaldon’s work and its resonance with Scottish heritage, education, and storytelling for generations to come.
About the University of the Highlands and Islands
UHI is a multidisciplinary university system serving the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. It emphasizes practical learning, research, and cultural engagement that reflects regional history and modern life. The awarding of an honorary doctorate to Gabaldon aligns with UHI’s goals of elevating outstanding contributors to education and culture.
