Outlander's Diana Gabaldon to receive honorary doctorate

American writer Diana Gabaldon is to receive her honorary doctorate at a ceremony in Inverness

Diana Gabaldon, the best-selling author of the Outlander books, is to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

Her time-travelling historical romance set largely in the Scottish Highlands has sold 50 million copies in 39 languages, and has been made into a popular TV series.

The American writer is to receive her doctorate during UHI's graduation ceremony at Eden Court in Inverness.

Ahead of the event, she said: "I'm honoured and excited to take part in this year's graduation ceremony and very happy for all the new graduates."

Gabaldon's impact on Scottish tourism has been dubbed the "Outlander Effect", drawing thousands of visitors to locations in her stories such as Clava Cairns and Culloden Battlefield, near Inverness.

Alex Dold studied Outlander for her PhD

Also set to graduate is 32-year-old Alexandra Dold, originally from Germany and now living in Glasgow, who will receive a PhD for her thesis examining Outlander as public history.

Her research explored how Gabaldon's historical fiction uses narrative strategies to shape perceptions of Scottish history, and how her storytelling invites readers across the world to engage emotionally and critically with the past.

She said: "I'm incredibly excited to be a 'Doctor of Outlander'.

"My hope is that this research helps others see how stories like Outlander can make history more accessible, showing that learning about the past can be emotional, personal and inspiring."

Earlier this week, UHI awarded a honorary doctorate to Glasgow-born Dave MacLeod, a Lochaber-based professional climber, coach and author.

He received the honour in recognition of his achievements in climbing, dedication to education, and his "deep-rooted connection" to the Scottish Highlands.