MICHAEL Palin told of Scotland’s “great inspiration” on his career as he accepted an honorary degree yesterday.
The Monty Python member was made an honorary Doctor of Science at St Andrews University in Fife, which has previously given gongs to fellow troupe members Terry Jones and John Cleese, who was rector in the early 1970s.
Recalling his first visit to Scotland in 1964, when he performed at the Edinburgh Festival, he also hailed Scots adventurers including David Livingstone and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Palin, whose books and TV work have charted his travels around the world, said: “This country has been a great inspiration to me. I’ve made good friends here, I’ve made many films here and I’ve always been powerfully impressed by the beauty and diversity of the landscape.
“But most of all, Scotland has been a lifelong inspiration to me as a traveller.”
He went on: “Quite why so many Scots are obsessed with getting away from Scotland is a question for another day.
“I hope that sitting amongst you today will be the next generation of travellers and adventurers. From north and south of the Border, and from all over the world.
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