About the role and history of the Rector, and previous Rectors of the University The primary role of the Rector is to preside at meetings of the University Court. This includes opening and closing Court proceedings, holding a deliberative and a casting vote in the case of equality (should there be a vote on an item of business), assisting with setting the tone for respectful and inclusive debate and working constructively with the Senior Lay Member, Principal and University Secretary to ensure Court meetings are conducted in a well-informed, fair, and decisive manner. In recent times, Rectors have often seen their role as a point of contact for the University community, seeking to assist with difficulties or issues where they arise. The Rector works closely with the students, the Students’ Association and staff of the University to understand issues important to them.The role of Rector is open to individuals who are not current staff or students at the University of Edinburgh. They should be an external figure supported by our University community who can join the University’s governing body alongside staff and student representatives and other external members.Photo galleryPhotographs of Rectors from as far back as 1920.View our image gallery on FlickrPrevious rectorsThe position of Rector has a long and prestigious lineage. Originally created in the 19th century by the Universities Scotland Act 1858, the role has developed over time.The position of Rector has been filled by eminent politicians and military figures, including Sir Winston Churchill and William Gladstone.In recent years Rectors have come from a broader range of Scotland’s public and cultural life, including television presenter Muriel Gray and the first Green politician Robin Harper MSP, all of whom have had some connection with Edinburgh.List of previous Rectors2024 Simon Fanshawe (current)2021 Debora Kayembe2018 Ann Henderson2015 Steve Morrison 2012 Peter McColl2009 Iain Macwhirter2006 Mark Ballard2003 Tam Dalyell MP2000 Robin Harper MSP1997 John Colquhoun1994 Dr Malcolm Macleod1991 Donnie Munro1988 Muriel Gray1985 Archie MacPherson1982 David Steel (now Sir David Steel)1979 Dr Anthony Ross1975 Magnus Magnusson1972 Dr Gordon Brown1971 Jonathan Wills1968 Kenneth Allsop1966 Malcolm Muggeridge1963 James Robertson Justice1960 Joseph Grimond1957 James Robertson Justice1954 Sir Sydney A Smith1951 Sir Alexander Fleming1948 Alastair Sim1945 Viscount Cunningham of Hyndhope1939 Sir J Donald Pollock, Baronet1936 Sir Herbert John Clifford Grierson1935 Viscount Allenby1932 General Sir Ian Hamilton1929 The Rt Hon. Sir Winston Churchill1926 The Rt Hon. Sir John Gilmour1923 The Rt Hon. Stanley Baldwin1920 The Rt Hon. David Lloyd George1917 Earl Beatty1914 Earl Kitchener of Khartoum1911 The Earl of Minto1908 The Rt Hon. Geo. Wyndham1905 The Rt Hon. Richard Burdon Haldane1902 Sir Robert Bannatyne Finlay1899 The Marquess of Dufferin & Ava1896 Lord Balfour of Burleigh1893 The Rt Hon. J P B Robertson1890 The Rt Hon. G J Goschen1887 The Marquess of Lothian1883 Earl of Iddlesleigh1880 Earl of Rosebery1877 The Marquess of Hartington1874 Earl of Derby1871 Sir W Stirling Maxwell1868 Lord Moncrieff1865 Thomas Carlyle1859 The Rt Hon. W E Gladstone This article was published on Friday 6 November 2026
