Known for his foundation and leadership of the John Watson & Company label printing firm, one of Scotland’s largest at the time of its multi-million pound sale to US firm MCC in 2013, Watson has since dedicated his time and resources to charity, following the model of his hero, Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Watson told Printweek that, a proud Glaswegian, he was humbled by the accolade.

“It is a great honour, made all the more special in that it comes from a seat of learning in the very city where John Watson & Company was founded and flourished.

“We are proud of our connection to this great city and of the many Glaswegians who helped make the business such a success. I will always be grateful to them for their hard work and endeavour – the same kind of endeavour shown by so many graduates of this outstanding and world-beating university.”

A long-time supporter of cancer charity Marie Curie, Watson has also funded significant contributions to finding successful treatments for bile duct cancer, and was the major starting backer of Social Bite, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness.

Starting off as an Edinburgh café, Social Bite has now raised millions of pounds to support rough sleepers and attracted stars like George Clooney to support its campaigns, and is still supported by Watson alongside Outward Bound and many other charities.

Watson has also dedicated time and money to preserving print history, funding the Glasgow and Edinburgh Print Trails drawn up by experts at the Scottish Printing Archival Trust, which he called a “labour of love”.

Watson’s long list of achievements were recognised at the December ceremony, with Watson donning his gown and being “bopped” on the head with a purple cap at the historic Bute Hall.

“As a Glasgow boy – to get that recognition from your own city is unbelievable,” he said.

“You never expect to get a pat on the back, but it’s lovely when it happens. The pomp and circumstance was sensational.”