A HIGH-FLYING Greenock business leader has told of her pride at being honoured by the University of the West of Scotland.

Liz Cameron OBE, chief executive and director of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, received an honorary doctorate at a graduation ceremony at Paisley Abbey.

The award was made in recognition of her distinguished career and contribution to Scottish business.

Liz, awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List of 2014 for her outstanding contributions to business, said: "It is a great honour to be recognised by the university, particularly as its international outlook and commitment to innovation and research, are firmly aligned with my values in business."

Liz resides in Greenock with her husband, Sam, and two children, Lloyd and Rebecca.

After studying at Greenock High, she went to James Watt College and later completed an additional ten years of study for day release and evening classes.

She also juggled her career to gain a Masters degree from University of Strathclyde.

Liz has credited her achievements to her grounding in Greenock, recognising that her entrepreneurial flair has been influenced by her education.

Liz was part of a team of local business people who set up the first ever Inverclyde Enterprise Trust, to help regenerate the area and support business start-ups.

She said: "I learned a tremendous amount from this early experience, which led me to expand my career and move on to other great opportunities.

"I was fortunate to have great parents, and their strong values of hard work, positive attitude and treating everyone with dignity and respect, continue to be my driving forces today.

"I believe that everyone can achieve and that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their potential.

Liz is recognised as one of the most influential business leaders in Scotland but maintains her local roots, supporting Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, and other organisations.i.

As chair of Wevolution, a global charity promoting entrepreneurship, Liz has personally supported the local Greenock branch, supporting ambitious women in Greenock with their entrepreneurial business ideas.

She said: "I would like to dedicate this honorary doctorate to my family and to all those I have learned from and collaborated with throughout my years."