Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is to be honoured with an honorary degree from St Andrews University next month.

The former Aberdeen FC boss, who was brought up in Glasgow, is one of three Scots who will receive honorary doctorates.

Journalist Andrew Neil, who is the university's outgoing rector and Dame Rennie Fritchie, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, will also be honoured at the same ceremony.

It will take place in the university's Younger Hall on the eve of Saint Andrew's Day, when the town will also feature a host of events remembering Scotland's patron saint.

Andrew Neil has been rector of the university

A number of students will receive their degrees, while 10 new professors will be officially inducted.

Sir Alex has been honoured on a number of occasions in recognition of his achievements as a football manager.

He was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1999 and then later the same year he was given the freedom of Glasgow.

The freedom of Glasgow is not awarded lightly - the last person to be given the freedom of the city was Nelson Mandela.

He was awarded an OBE in 1984 and is one of very few football managers or players to receive a knighthood.

Sir Alex received the freedom of Aberdeen in March, 1999, in recognition of his achievements as the Dons' boss in the 1980s.

Thousands of people lined the streets for the ceremony on that occasion.