past rectors of dundee
Prior to 1967, the University of Dundee was an integral college of the University of St Andrews and styled as Queen's College Dundee or University College Dundee. While the college had a separate structure of governance, the Rector of the University exercised full authority over the entire institution. Therefore before its independence, the Rector of the University of St Andrews was Rector and the appropriate official for both the Dundee and St Andrews institutions.
Post-Independence
1968 - Sir Peter Ustinov
Served two terms
Installation: 16 October 1968
Sir Peter Ustinov - actor, writer, dramatist and raconteur. Ustinov was Dundee's first independent Rector and is remembered fondly at Dundee, his name having being given to a significant room in the University's Bonar Hall which houses a sculpture of him.
1974 - Sir Clement Freud
Served two terms
Installation: 25 October 1974
Sir Clement Freud - writer, broadcaster, Liberal politician and Member of Parliament.
Was later elected Rector of the University of St Andrews.
1980 - Lord Mackie of Benshie
George Mackie, Baron Mackie of Benshie is a Liberal Democrat peer and former MP for Caithness and Sutherland.
1983 - Gordon Wilson MP
Gordon Wilson was the Member of Parliament for Dundee East (1974 to 1987) and leader of the Scottish National Party at the time. Wilson was outspoken against government education cuts of the time.
1986 - Malcolm Bruce MP
Malcolm Bruce has been the Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon (1983-present), and was the President of the Liberal Club at the University of St Andrews.
1989 - Paul Henderson
Scott Paul Henderson Scott is a Scottish cultural and historical commentator and a veteran Scottish National Party member.
1992 - Stephen Fry
Served two terms
Installation: 29 October 1992; 1 November 1995
Stephen Fry - comedian, author, actor and filmmaker. His Rectorial Address was entitled "Think of a lobster" and urged students to delay obsession with the mundane.
He is fondly remembered by the University, with the main bar in the Students' Association building named after his novel The Liar.
1998 - Tony Slattery
Tony Slattery - actor and comedian. He appointed Jason Wassell as Rectors' Assessor who, in Tony's absence from Dundee, became his spokesperson on a number of University issues.
2001 - Fred MacAulay
Fred MacAulay - Scottish comedian and graduate (accountancy) of the university.
Stood against television presenter Richard Whiteley, Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament Nick Johnston and Stirling University lecturer Dr Abd-al-El-Awaisi. David Hasselhoff was forced to decline his nomination as he could only commit to visiting the university once a year. Fred was a popular, positive and supportive rector who has continued to take a personal interest in the university.
2004 - Lorraine Kelly
Election: 27 February 2004
Installation: 28 April 2004
Lorraine Kelly - East Kilbride - born television presenter. Beat Lesley Riddoch and David Shayler to the post. Her Rectorial Address can be found here.
2007 - Craig Murray
Election: 16 February 2007
Installation: 26 September 2007
Craig Murray - former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, graduate of the university and twice President of the Students' Association at Dundee. He resigned over differences with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relating to the use of torture and extraordinary rendition in Uzbekistan. Murray was elected by students on 16 February 2007 by a vote of 632 to 582, beating competition from former Scotland rugby captain and British Lions star Andy Nicol. The Rectorial Installation of Craig Murray took place on the 26 September 2007 in the new Heathfield teaching building. In his Address, the new Rector discussed the structure of education in Scotland, creating a university environment better adapted to the needs of undergraduates and the status of ancient university government, including a commitment to campaign for the incorporation of the position of Rector at all universities in Scotland.
