Galloway born Sam is best known for his role in TV series Outlander. He is one of six distinguished recipients who are being recognised as part of the university campus’ 20th anniversary celebrations.
Also being honoured are TV journalist and Lord Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong; Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of The Sutton Trust; adventurer, ecologist and environmentalist David Mayer de Rothschild; co-founder of Social Bite Alice Thompson; and Andrew Walls FRCS, convener of The Crichton Foundation.
A university spokeswoman said: “The work of the recipients of the honorary degrees reflects the core interests of the university’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Dumfries.”