'Rectors of Glasgow University: 1820-2000', an account by Donald Wintersgill of the traditions and holders of the Rectorship, has been published and launched at a ceremony in the University attended by the Chancellor, Rector and Principal.

The book starts with the Rectorship of Kirkman Finlay, (whose re-election by the Senate for a further term was over-turned by a student revolt) to Ross Kemp, who was forced to resign by the students.

Covering a period which saw the likes of Gladstone, Disraeli, Asquith and Bonar Law win Rectorial office, the book charts the era of the political Rector - including the notoriously riotous installation of Rab Butler - and the rise of the celebrity Rector, starting with sports commentator Arthur Montford, the first of the television Rectors.

The author, Donald Wintersgill, is a journalist and Glasgow graduate He is also an accomplished craftsman and designed, made and donated the Rector's mace which is carried before the Rector on ceremonial occasions.

The book is available, priced £12, from the University's Visitor Centre, 0141 330 55

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First published: 6 June 2001