Carol and Claire Forsyth, both 22, received the award having already gained Masters degrees with distinction in Chemical Engineering – achieving the highest and second highest grades in the 88 year history of the department of Chemical and Process Engineering.

The twins, from Kilwinning, landed research scholarships from the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, to carry out research PhDs in Chemical and Process Engineering. They were awarded two out of only 15 Carnegie PhD Scholarships covering all academic disciplines across the whole of Scotland.

The Robertson Medal is awarded to the best of those 15 and with Carol and Claire achieving near identical grades, the medal has been presented to them both. 

Professor Scott MacGregor, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Carol and Claire and is recognition of their hard work and commitment. I am delighted they both received the scholarships from the Carnegie Trust and it is even more pleasing to see them awarded the prestigious Robertson Medal.

“The recognition is also a testament to the quality of teaching and research within the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, and we are delighted that the twins will be continuing their study at Strathclyde.”

Carol and Claire have each received several prizes for academic achievement during their degree and secured scholarships with, respectively, BP and engineering and design consultancy Atkins. They have also undertaken industrial placements: Claire with EDF and Carol with Chemring Energetics.

They are both currently undertaking PhDs at Strathclyde.

Carol and Claire attended Kilwinning Academy before studying at Strathclyde and have an elder sister, Laura, who is a GP. Their other interests incl  ude languages, snow sports and music.