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Chamber and committees

Lady Rae Makes History as Female Rector of the University of Glasgow

  • Submitted by: Kaukab Stewart, Glasgow Kelvin, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Thursday, 17 June 2021
  • Motion reference: S6M-00423

That the Parliament congratulates Lady Rae on her election as rector of the University of Glasgow on 21 April 2021; notes that Lady Rae follows Winnie Mandela’s election in 1987 as only the second woman elected to this Rectorship; further notes that Lady Rae’s election makes history as she is the first female working rector, rather than it being a symbolic role; understands that the role of rector has existed at the University of Glasgow since 1542, and that such an appointment is therefore long overdue; acknowledges that a career spanning five decades, providing legal representation and services to the people of Glasgow, saw Lady Rae begin as a solicitor in Glasgow, become a partner in a leading criminal law practice, be appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992, serve as a sheriff in Glasgow and a senator of the College of Justice, and hold a seat as an upper tribunal judge, presiding over immigration and asylum appeals; notes that Lady Rae was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Glasgow in 2019, in recognition of her contribution to Scots Law; recognises that Lady Rae's historic appointment marks a step towards improved gender representation in high office that the institution of the University of Glasgow and its constituent community should take pride and inspiration from in future; applauds Lady Rae for her distinguished career achievements and public duty, and wishes her success in her role as rector, delivering on commitments to widen participation, promote diversity, improve student safety and welfare.


Supported by: Clare Adamson, Jackie Baillie, Sarah Boyack, Siobhian Brown, Foysol Choudhury, Natalie Don, Annabelle Ewing, Kenneth Gibson, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Rona Mackay, Ruth Maguire, Gillian Martin, Liam McArthur, Paul McLennan, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Paul O'Kane, Emma Roddick, Paul Sweeney, Michelle Thomson, Evelyn Tweed, Martin Whitfield