Available onlineThe first OU Degree Ceremony in Scotland
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first OU degree ceremony in Scotland
| Clip: | Edinburgh OU Ceremony 1974 |
|---|---|
| Duration: | 00:01:57 |
| Date: |
The first ever Open University (OU) Degree Ceremony to take place in Scotland was on 27 April 1974 at the Assembly Rooms in George Street, Edinburgh. 268 graduates crossed the stage at the ceremony.
OU degree ceremonies also took place in Wales, Northern Ireland, and England that year.
The clip on this page features the Vice-Chancellor of the Open University at that time, Walter Perry, who was originally from Dundee. During his period as Vice-Chancellor, he was knighted and became a life peer, named Lord Perry of Walton.
The clip is from an episode of the OU’s Open Forum series, Open Forum 05 (1974).
At the ceremony, as shown in the footage, an honorary degree was awarded to Sir Kenneth Berrill. He later served as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council of The Open University. The OU's main reception building at its UK headquarters in Milton Keynes was named the Berrill Building in his honour.
The Open University in Scotland office has been based in Edinburgh since the OU began in 1969, supporting its tutors and students across the length and breadth of Scotland.
You can read more about the Open University’s Scottish roots, on the OU in Scotland website.
