David Cochrane, chief executive of the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, has been awarded an honorary degree from one of the top five hospitality schools in the world.
Cochrane was unexpectedly presented with an honorary degree in International Hospitality Management from the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland.
The accolade came just after he had been addressing the students during a graduation ceremony.
His award was given in recognition for his work with HIT Scotland, a charity that awards scholarships and works with higher education providers to raise aspirations and standards in the Scottish hospitality industry.
Cochrane said: "I was pleased just to be invited to meet the graduates of Glion. It is important to Scottish hospitality to see what the rest of the world is doing and learn from the best. I was just expecting a small thank you at the end of the ceremony and the honorary degree was a real surprise. I am very grateful and humbled by the award.
In January Cochrance and 19 other professionals will attempt to hold Mount Kilimanjaro's first Burns supper to raise money for HIT Scotland.
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By Neil Gerrard
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