A RESPECTED local academic says he is 'thrilled to bits' to receive a prestigious honour from an iconic educational institution.

Professor Dugald Cameron OBE has been presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters for his contribution to Glasgow School of Art.

Dugald and his wife Nancy have lived in Skelmorlie for nearly 50 years since they married in 1972.

The University of Glasgow conferred the honour to Dugald at Glasgow Art Club.

Proud Dugald, 81, said: "My feet still haven't touched the ground.

"It's a huge honour for me and I've been very emotional about it.

"Glasgow School of Art has been a big part of my life and I've met some very nice people through it over the years."

Dugald started out as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce but wasn't happy there and after speaking to Sir Harry Barnes at the art school he decided to get into industrial design.

He started on a non-diploma course in 1957 and then progressed to a diploma course the following year, graduating with a post-diploma in industrial design in 1962.

When Dugald was a final year student, he played a central role in the design of the first commercial medical diagnostic ultrasound scanner.

After he graduated, Dugald combined part-time teaching with freelance design practice and worked with companies across the UK and the US.

His dedication to the art school led to him becoming head of industrial design and head of the school of craft and design.

But Mr Cameron says the most important part of his association with the school was when he met his wife Nancy in the old library in 1969 when she started as technical librarian.

From 1991 until 1999, Dugald was director at Glasgow School of Art and in 2000 he received an OBE for services to the teaching of art and design.

He continues to have a passion for railways and for aviation.

Professor Cameron is also honorary professor at the University of Glasgow, visiting professor and honorary doctor of the University of Strathclyde, a fellow of the Chartered Society of Designers, a companion of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a fellow of the Institute of Engineers Scotland, a patron of Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities Air Squadron, and a recipient of the Baird of Bute Award for aviation.

At his conferment, Glasgow School of Art described Dugald as a 'trusted friend and enthusiastic champion'.

Dugald said he will always hold the school close to his heart.

He added: "It's a wonderful place.

"People who perhaps don't fit in anywhere else can go there and do something great."