Awarded in recognition of his outstanding culinary contribution to Edinburgh and Scotland, the Degree of Doctor honoris causa acknowledges the huge success of Martin Wishart's restaurants and associated business ventures. As the first Michelin Star chef in Edinburgh, the Degree highlights Martin's personal contribution in encouraging other world-class chefs to open establishments in the city, leading to its development as a hub of world-class dining. Edinburgh now has more Michelin Star restaurants than any other city in the UK outside London. Martin Wishart, commented: "I am thrilled and humbled to be receiving my Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh University. It personally means a great deal to have my achievements recognised by such an esteemed institution. It has been ten years since Restaurant Martin Wishart in Leith received its Michelin Star and my fondness and passion for the city has never abated. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Edinburgh dining experience for years to come." Professor Chris Haslett, added: "Many in the University would recognise the analogy with a leading academic; Martin Wishart has been trained by the best; he has built a group of international standing; his work is interdisciplinary, melding craft, science and art; he strives for perfection; he trains; he teaches; he creates wealth for the Scottish economy; he advises government and, in peer-review, he is pre-eminent. "Martin has personally contributed a great deal in helping to establish the City's reputation as a fine food destination, which has had a positive impact on tourism too. It has created jobs and provided exceptional, international standard training to talented young chefs." Established in 1583, The University of Edinburgh introduced Honorary Degrees in 1695. Since then Honorary Degrees have been awarded to over 2,700 individuals including Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Winston Churchill JK Rowling and David Attenborough.