Deacon Blue's Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh received honorary degrees from the Open University on October 24, 2025, for their cultural and social impact.

Deacon Blue frontmen Ricky Ross and Lorraine McIntosh received honorary degrees from the Open University on October 24, 2025, during a ceremony at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The honor recognized their lasting contributions to music, culture, and society, highlighting their role in shaping the UK’s arts landscape and promoting social cohesion. The award was presented alongside 660 other graduates, many of whom were first-generation university attendees or faced significant personal challenges.