WEST Kilbride musician Nicola Benedetti has been bestowed a major honour by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.


The virtuoso violinist has been made honorary president of the institution, joining a list which includes Largs man Lord Kelvin, Dame Janet Baker, Dame Judi Dench and, most recently Sir Cameron Mackintosh.
Honorary presidents support the conservatoire in a range of ways, including as ambassadors and engaging in graduation ceremonies.
Appointees are invited to serve for a five-year term. 
Her first duty will be to address graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 who are returning to celebrate their achievements having missed out on their in-person ceremonies due to the pandemic.
Nicola said: “It is such an honour to follow such an illustrious list of people into this role. 
"Institutions that nurture the highest excellence have a vital role to play in the future of Scotland and this is certainly one of those."
Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, RCS principal, said: “In Nicola, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is extremely lucky to have an outstanding international cultural leader and role model who is passionate and knowledgeable about the arts. I’m thrilled and proud."
In 2019, Nicola formalised her commitment to musical education when she established The Benedetti Foundation. Since its launch, the foundation has worked with over 29,000 participants from 103 countries through its transformative in-person workshops and online sessions for young people, students, teachers and adults.
The foundation unites those who believe that music is integral to a great education and demonstrates groundbreaking teaching by producing and delivering innovative and creative musical experiences accessible to all.