The Rectors of the University of Edinburgh 1859-2000

The oldest Scottish universities, founded in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries have been of high importance in shaping Scotland and the United Kingdom. Among the richest strands of their history is that of the rectorship. The Rector, second in the university hierarchy only to the Chancellor is elected by students and, in Edinburgh, by staff to serve a term of three years. Holders of Edinburgh's rectorship have included Prime Ministers, Nobel prize winners, Viceroys of India, writers, soldiers, scientists and philosophers. More recently the list includes a professional footballer, sports commentator, rock musician and actors. Gordon Brown, when a student, was an active and controversial rector. Rectors have the right to chair the University Court, its highest governing body. They also have the right, perhaps the duty, to look after the interests of the students. Their election has often been extremely competitive with rival groups of students proposing candidates and campaigning vigorously. Violence was common, especially in the elections of the early twentieth century. The Rector's inaugural Address has been the scene of extremely robust and noisy behaviour by the audience. Whilst, at times, the role of the Rector has had a low profile, in the hands of some holders of the office the post has had a significant impact on the life and development of the University. This book tells the story of the rectorship in Edinburgh since 1858 when the office took its present form. The book will entertain and informall those interested in the University and this very special institution within it.