Sir Mervyn King, Andy Nicol and Prof Iain Gordon given honorary degrees 11 July 2013 Last updated at 15:55 Sir Mervyn King has received an honorary degree from the University of Abertay Dundee. The former governor of the Bank of England collected the award at the university's summer graduation. Former Scottish rugby player and BBC commentator Andy Nicol also collected an honorary award at the ceremony. The honour was also given to Professor Iain Gordon, chief executive and director of the James Hutton Institute. Sir Mervyn retired from the post of governor of the Bank of England on 30 June, having served for 10 years. It was announced in the 2013 Birthday Honours that he is to be given a life peerage in recognition of his contributions to public service. He took over as governor in 2003, and is regarded as an important figure in the UK's political, fiscal and economic spheres. He is arguably known for spotting the signs of the impending economic crisis, highlighting the unsustainability of high UK house prices as early as 2005. He said: "I am delighted to have been honoured in this way by Abertay University, and I have greatly enjoyed today's ceremony." Scotland captain In a decade-long career, Andy Nicol became the first British player to lift the Heineken Cup as captain of Bath, as well as captaining the Scotland rugby team in 2000, when Scotland defeated England 19-13 at Murrayfield to deny them the Grand Slam. He won 23 caps for Scotland, including seven as captain. Professor Iain Gordon is one of Scotland's leading scientists and science managers. Throughout his career, which spans research, research management and provision of policy advice, he played an active role in promoting the value of biodiversity and its importance in the provision of ecosystem services and human wellbeing. Inspirational leaders Ahead of the ceremony, Professor Nigel Seaton, principal and vice-chancellor of Abertay University, said "I am delighted that Abertay University is conferring honorary degrees on such inspirational leaders. All of our honorary graduates have excelled in very different walks of life - from leading the UK's central bank through turbulent economic times, to reaching the heights of international sport and researching crucial global problems of biodiversity and sustainability. Sir Mervyn received a Doctorate of Letters, Andy Nicol received a Doctorate of Arts, and Professor Iain Gordon received a Doctorate of Science.