Comedy star victorious in rector contest
Scotland the What? legend says Aberdeen University is in his DNA
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SCOTLAND the What? star Stephen Robertson triumphed last night in the battle to become rector of Aberdeen University.
The comedy star came out on top after a three-way battle with Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford and Aberdeen freelance journalist Hamish Mackay.
Liberal Democrat councillor Mr Ford – whose controversial casting vote blocked Donald Trump’s £1billion golf resort plan for the Menie Estate at Balmedie – lost by a margin of 852 votes to 928 in the second round of ballots.
Victorious Mr Robertson is a two-time graduate of Aberdeen University. He said: “I am delighted and greatly honoured to have the votes from the students to elect me as rector to the university, which is very close to my heart. It’s in my DNA. Some people have greatness thrust upon them and today I had greatness thrust upon me.
“I would like to be a working rector and dedicate a fair bit of my time to the students.”
He said his Scotland the What? partners Buff Hardie and George Donald supported him fully. The trio were recently honoured with the freedom of Aberdeen.
Runner-up Mr Ford said: “Obviously I’m disappointed but I’ve had great fun in the last couple of weeks and would like to congratulate Mr Robertson.
“A large proportion of students raised the issue and at least 90% were opposed to the Trump application being granted in its current form.”
Student body president Angela Fraser, 23, said: “The three candidates were really strong, raising the kind of issues students are interested in.”
Mr Mackay was eliminated in the first round of the count after attracting 188 votes.
