The Aberdonian: Aberdeen University rector elections
1985 - After his installation as Rector of Aberdeen University, Hamish Watt is carried by his supporters on the charities mascot Angus across to the Kirkgate Bar for the traditional refreshments
Rector elections at Aberdeen University have often been dramatic affairs throughout the years.
A position once held by Winston Churchill, the election process is a lot more quiet these days.
We take a look back through the archives, featuring images of street rallies, victors on people’s shoulders and – of course, for students – in the pub!
1966 – Supporters of Sir Dugald Baird in the Aberdeen University rectorial campaign line up for the start of the pram race down Union Street
1958 – John Bannerman, Scots rugby international, Liberal leader and Gaelic scholar, is carried shoulder-high to the Kirkgate Bar after being elected rector
1952 – Radio comedian, Professor Jimmy Edwards, celebrates with a pint after being elected rector
1972 – Television personality and newly elected rector Michael Barratt is chaired by his supporters
1960 – Students are pictured marching down King Street on the university rector campaign trail
Aberdeen University Rectorial Elections 1973-02-25 Michael Barratt (C)AJL<br />23 February 1973<br />“Students chair their Rector Michael Barratt after the gowning of their rector in Mitchell Hall this morning.”<br />Used: EE 13/11/2014
1949 – Lord Tweedsmuir leads the procession leaving Mitchell Hall after delivering his rectorial address
1951 – A protest in 1951 during the campaign to have the black singer Paul Robeson, who was a campaigner for black rights, elected rector of Aberdeen University
1936 – A tradition which has disappeared over the years is the rectorial battle in which the supporters of opposing candidates for the post squared-up to each other in the quadrangle of Marischal College. Here we see the 1936 battle in progress with flour and soot flying. The rector that year was Admiral Sir Edward Evans
1987 – Fish, eggs, rotting vegetables and top quality dung were all used as ammunition in the traditional pre-election battle between supporters of candidates for rector
1969 – A victor acknowledges the cheers of the crowd in Marischal quad
1951 – A photograph taken during the Aberdeen University Rectorial Battle in 1951
1955 – New rector Sir Rhoderick McGrigor has a celebratory half-pint in the Kirkgate Bar
1985 – After his installation as Rector of Aberdeen University, Hamish Watt is carried by his supporters on the charities mascot Angus across to the Kirkgate Bar for the traditional refreshments
The Aberdonian: Aberdeen University rector elections
