Out of the sun and into the court

Edinburgh University's newly elected rector has urged students to “hang in there” as the economic climate looks bleaker than ever.

In his first interview with The Journal since his election last month, Iain Macwhirter warned of the tough times ahead: “Over the next few years, things are going to get difficult. A lot of graduates will struggle to find jobs, a lot of students will fall deeper into debt and many will question why they are at university at all,” he warned.

However, he reminded students to keep faith in their worldwide acclaimed university: “You have got to be reminded that this is a great institution and obtaining a degree is still very important.

“I would encourage all students to take advantage of all the tremendous opportunities Edinburgh offers to gain the maximum value of out this period of recession. It is essential to realise that even in a downturn, studying in this great city can still be a fun experience.”

Mr Macwhirter has just arrived back in Scotland after his holiday in Egypt: “It was great being with the kids. We went in the Red Sea; it was very enjoyable”

The holiday, he says, gave him the chance to reflect on his convincing victory last month: “It was largely down to my remarkable campaign team. My campaign manager Devon Dunseith was fantastic.”

However he was quick to acknowledge his rival's downfalls: “I think my opponent George Foulkes was handicapped by his voting record. His support for top up fees, ID cards and the war in Iraq did him no favors. There is anti-political sentiment in the student body nowadays.”

Asked what his plans are for the immediate future, the well respected journalist admitted that familiarising himself with the system would be a hard task: “I am just realising how huge the institution is and, like any large bureaucracy, it can be quite complex. My main role as rector is to chair the university court and understanding the various rules and regulations requires intellectual application."

Finding out just how much power and influence he holds over the University court is also an issue for him: “I am currently clarifying what I’m actually able to do in the university. The rector is not an executive position in any sense, and I am not a full time employee.”

Mr Macwhirter will have plenty of time to establish his powers as his first meeting of the University Court will not take place until the autumn.

Mr Macwhirter was inaugurated on 10 March in a ceremony that traditionally involves the new rector being carried around Old College on a chair.

During his campaign, concerns were raised by prospective voters that his job as a freelance journalist would overshadow his new responsibilities as rector. However, Mr Macwhirter sought to assure the university community, saying: “I am principally here to represent the staff and students of Edinburgh University and I will not let my journalism commitments get in the way of this important fact.

“I always knew being Rector would require putting in the hours and I’m determined that my efforts are not lost in the somewhat complex system.”

The new rector displayed his interest in the EUSA elections: “Having been away I’ve missed most of the hype. I was back in time for the results and I will definitely be meeting with the new President-elect as soon as he takes office.”

But perhaps most importantly, Macwhirter seems keen to engage with as many students as possible and strengthen existing ties: “I was originally approached by the charities appeal to run for the position of rector in the first place, so I am keen to build on my existing relationship with all the students.”