Rector of the University of Edinburgh facts for kids
The Lord Rector of The University of Edinburgh is like a special representative for students and staff at The University of Edinburgh. This person is chosen every three years by the students and staff themselves. Most people just call them the 'Rector'.
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What Does the Rector Do?
The Rector has a very important job. They lead meetings of the University Court. This Court is the main group that makes big decisions for the university.
The Rector also acts like a helpful problem-solver for students and staff. They listen to any worries or ideas people have. Then, they make sure these issues are talked about in the University Court. This means the Rector can really help make things better for everyone at the university.
A Look at the Rector's History
The job of Rector, along with other roles like Chancellor, was created in 1858. Before this, the city council of Edinburgh helped manage the university.
A law called the Universities (Scotland) Act 1889 made sure that all the old universities in Scotland would elect a Rector. Today, only the very old universities like St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh still choose a Rector. The newer universities do not.
An Interesting Story: Trotsky
In 1935, students at the university tried to invite a famous Russian revolutionary named Leon Trotsky to become Rector. However, Trotsky politely said no. He explained that he was too involved in politics to take on a role that was supposed to be non-political.
Famous Rectors
Often, well-known people who have a connection to Edinburgh are chosen as Rector. One special case was Gordon Brown. He was elected Rector when he was only 21 years old and still a student. This was many years before he became a famous politician and later the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Some Past Rectors
The role of Rector has changed over time. Here are a few examples of people who have held this important position.
Rectors Before 1858
The job of Rector was separate from the Principal's role in 1620.
- 1620 Andrew Ramsay
- 1640 Alexander Henderson
In 1665, the city council decided that the Lord Provost of Edinburgh (the city's leader) would also be the Rector.
Rectors Since 1858
The position of Rector was brought back in 1858. Many interesting people have served since then:
- 1859 William Ewart Gladstone (who later became a British Prime Minister)
- 1865 Thomas Carlyle (a famous writer)
- 1920 David Lloyd George (a British Prime Minister)
- 1929 Winston Churchill (a British Prime Minister)
- 1948 Alastair Sim (a well-known actor)
- 1951 Sir Alexander Fleming (who discovered penicillin)
- 1972 Gordon Brown (who later became a British Prime Minister)
- 1988 Muriel Gray (a famous writer and broadcaster)
- 2021 Debora Kayembe
- 2024 Simon Fanshawe
See also
- Ancient university governance in Scotland
- Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh
- Principal of the University of Edinburgh
