The co-convener of the Scottish Greens has been re-elected as rector of Aberdeen University.
Last night Maggie Chapman was reappointed to the role at the climax of a drawn out and, at times, controversial election process.
She has vowed to use her position to improve support for international students and those with part-time jobs, and look at methods of reducing the rental costs of homes.
The election was conducted in several rounds, with Ms Chapman gaining 1,248 votes in the final stage against law student Israr Khan, who received 891.
Lawyer James Steel and business student Angus Hepburn were eliminated in the first round of voting, while broadcaster and singer Fiona Kennedy dropped out in the second.
Ms Chapman said she was “delighted” by the result.
“I owe a huge thank you to my team who worked so tirelessly over the last few months,” she added.
“My manifesto was clear about advocating on behalf of students and making sure their voices are heard.
“People responded very positively and were pleased that we are standing up for them.”
After the result was announced, Fiona Kennedy said: “I was really delighted with the team who campaigned to vote for me.
“I wish Maggie Chapman all the best. I will continue to be an ambassador for the university and a campaigner for students’ rights.”
The poll was the second attempt to find a rector this academic calendar, after the first was pulled in November following complaints of “campaign irregularities.”
It is understood these related to the disappearance of several hundred posters belonging to one of the candidates.
Turnout for last night’s vote was approximately 15% of the Aberdeen University student body.
Mrs Kennedy has called on the organisation to look into ways of boosting engagement going forward.
Ms Chapman added: “When we were campaigning people were saying they thought it had been decided last year.
“The university needs to look seriously at how it conducts its democratic processes as this was not good.”
