A BORDERS sports broadcaster and motor neurone disease (MND) charity leader has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Jill Douglas, from Bonchester Bridge, was awarded the degree at a ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall yesterday morning. 

She said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by the University with an Honorary Doctorate.

"It is very special to share graduation day with so many students who are embarking on their own careers.

“Journalism and broadcasting have allowed me to travel the world and experience some amazing events and I hope those graduating in 2024 have as many opportunities and great times as I have enjoyed over the years.

"I’d like to thank my old lecturers for their patience and the current team for this honour."

Douglas is best known for her on-screen coverage of rugby, cycling, snooker and athletics and began her career studying Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University.

She was the first female to present the BBC’s Rugby Special programme and presented many sporting occasions including the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Hames, Rugby World Cups and British and Irish Lions Tours broadcasting on BBC, ITV and Sky Sports.

She was a close friend of Doddie Weir and involved with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation since it’s start and served as CEO until this spring.

She remains a patron of the charity which was set up in 2017 following Doddie’s diagnosis with MND which has raised more than £20 million for research and support.