Rector of the University of Dundee
Its acceptance of the nomination was allegedly made with an ink-paw print, which was not permitted by the university on the grounds that true consent could not be assured, and duress may have been involved.
[3] The legend may be based on the confirmed story of a goat named Mervyn who was nominated for the position in 1971, but rejected by the returning officer.
A dispute over the validity of the 1971 election result caused an unofficial second poll to be organised by the Students' Association, and Mervyn was permitted to stand in this.
Close to the rectorial election, the Students' Association traditionally hosts a hustings debate, known as the Hecklings, in which all nominees get a chance to put forward their case.
The nominees also traditionally make an appearance on the university campus during the election day to canvass for last minute support, assisted by a campaign team of students.
Served two terms Installation: 16 October 1968 Sir Peter Ustinov – actor, writer, dramatist, diplomat and raconteur.
Peter Freiherr von Ustinov (as he was fully styled at the time) was first elected in February 1968 after a vigorous and colourful campaign.
Ustinov was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D) degree by the university in 1969, the only rector to have received this honour during his term of office.
Gordon Wilson[16] was the Member of Parliament for Dundee East (1974 to 1987) and leader of the Scottish National Party at the time.
In standing for election, he apparently declined a similar offer of nomination (made a week after Dundee's) from the students of the University of St Andrews.
He was installed as rector shortly after the death of his father and following a well publicised period of mental health problems, which went on to challenge his rectorship.
He found some of the demands of public events difficult to handle and eventually stopped attending the University Court meetings.
His explanation, to a room full of students in The Tav Bar in the DUSA building, revolved around a cat and some chemical fumes, which led to calls for his resignation.
He appointed Jason Wassell as rector's assessor who, in Tony's absence from Dundee, became his spokesperson on a number of university issues.
Stood against television presenter Richard Whiteley, Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament Nick Johnston and Stirling University lecturer Professor Abd al-Fattah El-Awaisi.
He resigned as an ambassador 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 and Irish Lions star Andy Nicol.
[24] The University Senate refused Murray the customary honorary degree awarded to rectors on the grounds that he was not a distinguished individual.
Election: 12 February 2010 Informal Installation in Student Union: 25 October 2010 Formal Installation at Caird Hall: 17 November 2010 Brian Cox, CBE, a Dundee-born film and stage actor, who also helped to support a fundraising campaign for the university's £21million Sir James Black Centre.
Spence, who obtained a law degree from the university in 1986, was reported to be "more than a little surprised" but "deeply honoured" to be chosen for the post.
Artist's Manager Keith Harris defeated Mike Arnott, the secretary of the local Trades Union Council, by 101 votes to 95.
