[1] The Chancellor does have the power to refuse an "improvement in the internal arrangements of the University", however, there is no evidence of any Chancellor using this effective veto over the University Court.

[2]: 12(2) The Office of the Chancellor has existed since the foundation of the university in the 15th century, and no comprehensive definition of its powers has been made in any modern statute.

He is consulted, however, on all public matters relative to its welfare, and he is also Conservator of its privileges.

By the foundation charters the power of conferring degrees is vested in him: but this he may exercise either personally when present or by his depute when absent, with the advice of the doctors and masters of the University".Section 2 of the Universities (Scotland) Act 1858 provides that the Chancellor is to be elected by the General Council, to hold office for life, although Sir Kenneth Dover retired in 2005.

[2]: Section 2 [4] With the exception of Dover, every Chancellor of the university has been either an archbishop or a peer.