The man behind one of the most popular female characters in modern literature was honoured by St Andrews University.
Alexander McCall Smith, who created the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and its star Precious Ramotswe, was made a Doctor of Letters.
Described as a “modern master of the serial novel”, he was also recognised for his contributions to medical science and law as he was presented with his honorary doctorate.
Born in what is now Zimbabwe, McCall Smith used his knowledge of Africa to establish his most popular series of books.
With sales of more than 20 million copies since the first novel hit shelves in 1998, the series to date has chalked up 15 instalments and has been developed for television by the BBC.
Away from his writing work he has also been a chairman of the British Medical Journal and a former member of Unesco’s international bioethics committee.
The 66-year-old was proposed by Professor Andrew Pettegree for the honour, who spoke glowingly of the author’s work.
“These are light, generous books,” he said. “We witness the triumph of the human spirit over our sometimes crushing limitations.
“This too is the spirit of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, a portrait of a society that works because people are ultimately decent and good-hearted.
“And these books come alive because Alexander McCall Smith is himself full of life and fun and because he captures the essence of a personality in beautifully crafted prose.”
Also awarded a Doctor of Letters was social anthropologist Jane Lave from the University of California.
The Harvard graduate was singled out for her influential teaching methods and the way in which people themselves learn.
Meanwhile, honorary science degrees were awarded to Sir John Skehel and Professor Robert Webster.
Sir John was acclaimed for what was described as “truly pioneering” work in studies into the flu virus.
Similarly, Professor Webster was honoured for his work into the origin, ecology and control of the influenza virus, informing the World Health Organisation and governments on how to prepare and combat potential pandemics.