The University of Glasgow has received a bequest of an estimated £580,000 from the daughter of one of its Honorary graduates.

Mitchells Roberton, the Glasgow solicitors handling the estate, reveal that there is an intriguing connection to the firm going back over one hundred years.

Partner David Ballantine explained: 'Mary Andrew, born in Glasgow and latterly living in Gullane, died last year aged 101. She was one of three children of Dr James Andrew, an Honorary graduate of the University in 1922.

'Educated at Laurel Bank, Cheltenham Ladies College and the Sorbonne, Mary Andrew was an ambulance driver in the First World War.

'Born in 1857, Dr Andrew was a partner in Mitchells Johnston, now Mitchells Roberton, and when he became Dean of the Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University, as was the custom in those days.'

He continued: 'Miss Andrew was not a Glasgow University graduate but it was her wish that a portion of the family estate should pass to the University on her death.

'The bequest serves as a reminder of my firm's historical links with the University which go back over two hundred and fifty years during which time we were their solicitors.'

The University Trust has indicated that the bequest will be used to advance the University's priority capital projects. The three projects to benefit are: a suite of laboratories in the British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre which is currently being built on University Avenue; the University's Leukaemia Research Fund Centre at Gartnavel which is scheduled for completion in Autumn 2005; and Veterinary Clinical training.

"This generous and thoughtful gift is from a Glaswegian family who were great friends of the University," explains Sir Muir Russell, Principal of the University of Glasgow.

"Spanning three centuries, the association with the Andrew family will be remembered in perpetuity by this major bequest and in the naming of parts of these three facilities stretching the length of Glasgow at Garscube, Gartnavel and on the main campus."

Cathy Bell, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University, said: "The University receives bequests and has done since it was founded. However, the magnitude of this Andrew Bequest is unusual."

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First published: 20 July 2004