The role of the Rector
The primary role of the Rector is to preside at the University Court.
The Rector presides over the University’s most powerful decision-making body, the University Court, to ensure all voices are heard in making important decisions that affect students and staff. In recent times, Rectors have often seen their role as a point of contact for the University community, seeking to assist with difficulties or issues where they arise. The Rector works closely with the students, the Students' Association and staff of the University to understand issues important to them.
The role of Rector is open to individuals who are not current staff or students at the University of Edinburgh. They should be an external figure supported by our University community who can join the University’s governing body alongside staff and student representatives and other external members.
History of the Rector
This short video describes the role of the Rector at the University.
Photo gallery
Photos from past elections, from as far back as 1920.
To view this photo gallery you may need Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer. You can also view the photographs on our Flickr channel:
Election photo gallery on Flickr
Previous rectors
The position of Rector has a long and prestigious lineage. Originally created in the 19th century by the Universities Scotland Act 1858, the role has developed over time.
The position of Rector has been filled by eminent politicians and military figures, including Sir Winston Churchill and William Gladstone.
In recent years Rectors have come from a broader range of Scotland’s public and cultural life, including television presenter Muriel Gray and the first Green politician Robin Harper MSP, all of whom have had some connection with Edinburgh.
List of previous Rectors
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2018 Ann Henderson
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2015 Steve Morrsion
- 2011 Peter McColl
- 2009 Iain Macwhirter
- 2006 Mark Ballard
- 2003 Tam Dalyell MP
- 2000 Robin Harper MSP
- 1997 John Colquhoun
- 1994 Dr Malcolm Macleod
- 1991 Donnie Munro
- 1988 Muriel Gray
- 1985 Archie MacPherson
- 1982 David Steel (now Sir David Steel)
- 1979 Dr Anthony Ross
- 1975 Magnus Magnusson
- 1972 Dr Gordon Brown
- 1971 Jonathan Wills
- 1968 Kenneth Allsop
- 1966 Malcolm Muggeridge
- 1963 James Robertson Justice
- 1960 Joseph Grimond
- 1957 James Robertson Justice
- 1954 Sir Sydney A Smith
- 1951 Sir Alexander Fleming
- 1948 Alastair Sim
- 1945 Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope
- 1939 Sir J Donald Pollock, Bt.
- 1936 Sir Herbert John Clifford Grierson
- 1935 Viscount Allenby
- 1932 General Sir Ian Hamilton
- 1929 The Rt Hon Sir Winston Churchill
- 1926 The Rt Hon Sir John Gilmour
- 1923 The Rt Hon Stanley Baldwin
- 1920 The Rt Hon David Lloyd George
- 1917 Earl Beatty
- 1914 Earl Kitchener of Khartoum
- 1911 The Earl of Minto
- 1908 The Rt Hon Geo. Wyndham
- 1905 The Rt Hon Richard Burdon Haldane
- 1902 Sir Robert Bannatyne Finlay
- 1899 The Marquess of Dufferin & Ava
- 1896 Lord Balfour of Burleigh
- 1893 The Rt Hon J P B Robertson
- 1890 The Rt Hon G J Goschen
- 1887 The Marquess of Lothian
- 1883 Earl of Iddlesleigh
- 1880 Earl of Rosebery
- 1877 The Marquess of Hartington
- 1874 Earl of Derby
- 1871 Sir W Stirling Maxwell
- 1868 Lord Moncrieff
- 1865 Thomas Carlyle
- 1859 The Rt Hon W E Gladstone
Related links
University officials - the Rector
Member of University Court - the Rector