12 July 2001

photo opportunity 3.30pm Friday 13 July, press stand, Caird Hall steps, City Square, Dundee.

Malcom Archibald, a Dundee postman will go straight from his round to the Caird Hall on Friday 13 July be dubbed with a first class degree in history from the University of Dundee just one month after publishing his first book.

Malcom (44) said: "I didn't think I was good enough to start University in the first place so to be graduating with a first class honours is a great sense of achievement. If I can do it, anyone can."

"Across the Pond" is the title of Malcom's new book which looks at trade on the North Atlantic. He completed it while in second year - a feat which his supervisor architectural historian Professor Charles McKean describes as "rare and impressive".

Malcom's wife Cathy who works in the Dundee University Students' Association persuaded Malcom that he should go to University. He has now challenged her to do the same - she begins the Wider Access Centre's Aspire programme in September hoping to secure a place for the next academic year.

Malcom hopes to do a postgraduate sometime in the future and to pursue his writing. His children Alexander (19) and Hannah (11) will join Cathy to see their Dad graduate on Friday.ENDS

Contact Jenny Marra, Assistant Press Officer 01382 344910