Tony Pidgley, Chairman of The Berkeley Group Plc, was awarded a Doctorate of the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to house building, and achievements in sustainable urban development.

Tony Pidgley is the founder and Group Chairman of Berkeley Group Holdings, one of the United Kingdom’s largest housebuilding businesses.

To celebrate the award, staff at the Institute showcased recent achievements and research. The presentation included posters from PhD students and researchers as well as an animated model of Edinburgh’s changing house prices over a period of twenty years.

Heriot-Watt University has awarded Honorary Degrees every year since gaining university status in 1966. Since awarding its first honorary doctorate in that year, the University has recognised more than 400 exceptional individuals in this way.

Individuals from many different walks of life have been awarded Honorary Degrees by Heriot-Watt University. These have included: world leaders and royal figures; eminent scientists, engineers and inventors, individuals who have made significant contributions in branches of business and industry; those who have distinguished themselves in many fields across the creative and performing arts and sport; and others, who in their individual ways, have made a significant contribution to the greater good of society, or to the life of the University.