Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti CBE has been appointed honorary president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS). 

The title has been bestowed on the Ayrshire-born classical musician as the Glasgow academy celebrates its 175th anniversary.

Benedetti, who was nominated by the Glasgow Times as Scotswoman of the Year, is known for her impressive career in music as well as her contribution to the arts.

In 2019, she set up The Benedetti Foundation which reaches out to thousands of people across the world and helps them achieve their musical potential through participating in online sessions and workshops.

Benedetti said: “It is such an honour to be appointed honorary president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland as it celebrates its 175th anniversary and to follow such an illustrious list of people in this role.

"Institutions that nurture the highest excellence have a vital role to play in the future of Scotland.”

Meanwhile, former Glasgow Life chief executive Dr Bridget McConnell CBE will take on the role as honorary vice-president. 

Glasgow Times: Dr Bridget McConnell. Caroline Trotter photography. Dr Bridget McConnell. Caroline Trotter photography.

Dr McConnell retired from her role at Glasgow Life last month and is a lifelong advocate for culture and the role it plays in people's lives, as well as a positive economic force for cities.

During her career, Dr McConnell was involved in major projects in the city, including the £35m refurbishment of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the building of the £74m Riverside Museum and the £113m Emirates Arena. 

She studied piano at RCS’s Junior Conservatoire and will follow in the footsteps of a previous vice-president Andrew Carnegie.

Dr McConnell said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to be appointed as honorary vice president of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, an organisation I hold in the highest esteem and love dearly for the life-affirming role it plays in our higher education and cultural sectors and society more widely.

"I am also thrilled that Nicola Benedetti will be taking on the role of honorary president and look forward to supporting RCS over the coming years.”

Professor Jeffrey Sharkey, principal of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, said: “In Nicola and Bridget, as our new honorary president and a vice-president, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is extremely lucky to have outstanding international cultural leaders and role models who are passionate and knowledgeable advocates for the power of the arts.

"I’m thrilled and proud to have them as part of our community.

“The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has a history of prestigious cultural figures and notable leaders as honorary presidents and vice-presidents."

Past public figures to hold the honour include Lord Kelvin, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Dame Janet Baker, Sir Alexander Gibson, Dame Judi Dench and, most recently, Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

Benedetti and Dr McConnell will serve in their roles for five years, and Benedetti’s first duty will be to address RCS graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2021 and celebrate their achievements in their first in-person ceremony on July 6.