The Rectors of the University of Edinburgh 1859-2000 - Hardcover

Wintersgill, Donald

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1903765447 ISBN 13: 9781903765449

Publisher: Liverpool University Press, 2005

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Donald Wintersgill has a distinguished career as a journalist and was editor in chief of the Guardian syndication service and of the Observer foreign news service. He has taught journalism in many developing countries. Donald Wintersgill has reported and broadcast widely on the art market and is author of Scottish Antiques and the Guardian Book of Antiques 1700-1840. One of his hobbies is silversmithing, he has made and donated maces for the Rectors of several Scottish universities. He is also author of Rectors of Glasgow University 1820 - 2000.I

About this edition

• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1903765447
• ISBN 13: 9781903765449
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208