The University of Edinburgh

INCLUDING BILLET & GENERAL COUNCIL PAPERS WINTER 07

Astronaut Piers Sellers on space and science

ALSO INSIDE Alexander McCall Smith revisits Edinburgh’s connection to Africa, and Edit reports on the redevelopment of the Main Library

Contents 14 Foreword

Welcome to the Winter 2007 edition of Edit, the first issue to feature our new design; we hope that you enjoy it.

In this issue we take an in-depth look at the exciting redevelopment of the Main Library (page 12), plus there are interviews with 16 scientist and astronaut Piers Sellers (page 14) and author Alexander McCall Smith (page 20).

The Review of the Year featured on page 16 is taken from our Annual Review, which is due to be published in January. Copies 12 20 can be obtained by contacting us at the address below, or you can find it at: www.ed.ac.uk/annualreview.

Features General Council members will also have received Voting Papers for the election 12 Booking a Ticket to the 21st Century of Assessors to the University Court and The ambitious redevelopment plans for the University’s members of the Council’s Business Main Library, coinciding with the centenary of the birth Committee. of its architect, Basil Spence. With best wishes for the new year. 14 Shake, Rattle & Roll Anne Borthwick Edinburgh alumnus Piers Sellers talks about science, Editor space and student days. 16 Review of the Year Publisher Communications and Marketing, Edit takes a look at some of the highlights of the past The University of Edinburgh Centre, 7-11 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9BE academic year. Editor Anne Borthwick – [email protected] 20 Out of Africa Alexander McCall Smith on his connection with Africa and Design Freight Design 0141 552 5303 plans for Edinburgh to revive its links with the continent. Cover Photography Courtesy of NASA

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No part of this publication may be reproduced in any 2 University News form without the prior written consent of the publishers. Edit is printed on environment-friendly, Forestry Stewardship Council-accredited paper. Edit, the University of Edinburgh’s magazine, is published twice a year. 18 Talbot Rice Gallery The views expressed in its columns are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the University. 22 Alumni News

26 World Service

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29 Billet 02 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News

The University of Edinburgh Campaign launch The weekend of 6 to 8 October represented a milestone in the history of the University of Edinburgh as the largest fundraising campaign to support higher education in Scotland’s history was launched.

charities. The University aims to reach its £350 million target by 2011. Approximately £149 million has already been secured. Scholarships are a high Campaign priority; £35 million will be earmarked to ensure that no qualified student misses out on a place at the University because of financial hardship. Other key projects set to benefit from the Campaign include new buildings for the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and the Centre for Infectious Diseases, a £40 million redevelopment of the Main The University of Edinburgh Campaign The financial support the Campaign University Library, a new teaching facility seeks to raise £350 million for more generates will bring enormous benefits for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary than 30 major projects at the University, to the University, Edinburgh, Scotland Studies and initiatives to recruit and including undergraduate and and the UK as a whole. It will seek retain high calibre academic staff. postgraduate scholarships, funding for philanthropic support from a number The Campaign will also create new a variety of chairs and fellowships and of sources including former students, hubs for student life, such as InSpace the refurbishment and restoration of funding councils, major trusts and at the Informatics Forum, and help several University buildings. foundations, corporations and research conserve iconic University buildings including McEwan Hall, Old College CAMPAIGN PROJECTS and Teviot Row House.

Undergraduate Scholarship Programme • McEwan Hall • Teviot Row House • Young Dawkins, Vice-Principal for Old College Quadrangle • Polish School of Medicine Chair in Emergency Medicine • Development, says: “The University Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities • Postgraduate, Doctoral and of Edinburgh Campaign is a way for Postdoctoral Fellowships • InSpace at the Informatics Forum • King’s Buildings this great and ancient University to build Library and Resource Centre and the Maxwell Building • Potterrow development • upon existing strengths and create new Four endowed chairs and five lectureships in Science and Engineering • Endowed pinnacles of excellence, in a community chairs in Regenerative Medicine • Peffermill playing field • James Clerk Maxwell that has cherished the values of teaching Library redevelopment project School of Law Tercentenary Campaign • • • teaching, research and public service Institute for Music in Human and Social Development • Integrative Systems Biology • for over 400 years.” Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies • Confucius Institute • Scottish History • Management School and Economics • Refurbishment of the Darwin Building • The Campaign began with a special New Scottish Microelectronics Cluster Centre at KB campus • Recladding of Appleton launch dinner held in the Old College Tower • Applied Informatics • Centre for Global Health Management • Centre for Quad. Renowned journalist Andrew Infectious Diseases • Centre for Regenerative Medicine – new building • Regenerative Marr served as keynote speaker, and a Medicine – Operations • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies • Integrative specially commissioned film highlighting Advanced Human Imaging Centre The Disconnected Mind • the University’s strengths was premiered. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 03

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

Stiglitz and Devine sell out McEwan Hall Following Irene Khan’s launch of the University of Edinburgh’s Enlightenment Lecture Series, held in partnership with ScottishPower in February, Nobel Prize winner and bestselling author Professor Joseph Stiglitz entertained and informed a packed audience at the McEwan Hall.

The event, held in August, was followed moderated by BBC journalist Allan in October by the equally successful Little on the subject “Could the Enlightenment Lecture delivered by Enlightenment Happen Again Today?”. the University’s own Professor Tom Both lectures were accompanied by a Devine. seminar series, enabling discussion and Stiglitz’s lecture examined the legacy talks on the Enlightenment and popular of tolerance and rationality crafted by culture. The seminars were presented by figures such as Robertson, Hume and members of the University’s School of Smith. The lecture is available online at History and Classics and explored themes www.ed.ac.uk/explore/av/ such as “18th-Century Street Theatre: enlightenment2006. Bedlamites and Buffoons”, “The Performance of Sociability in the Age of Professor Tom Devine’s lecture, entitled Enlightenment” and “Handel in the Orient”. “A Puzzle from the Past: Why the Scottish Enlightenment Happened”, For more information visit was followed by a panel discussion www.ed.ac.uk/explore/av/ Joseph Stiglitz enlightenment2006. Alumnus of the Year

Professor Alexander McCall Smith Professor McCall Smith was also has been named the University of presented with a scroll and trophy at the Edinburgh’s Alumnus of the Year 2006. annual Freshers’ Welcome ceremony. He was presented with the prestigious award at a ceremony at the McEwan Hall in September. Former winners include Nominations are now invited for the writer, Ian Rankin, the former Director the Alumnus of the Year Award 2007. General of MI5, Stella Rimington and The award is made annually to a Lord Steel of Aikwood. former student for services to the community, achievements in arts Professor McCall Smith received the or sciences, in business, public award in recognition of his outstanding or academic life. To submit a contribution to the fields of law and nomination, please go to our website medical ethics, his achievements as an www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk, international bestselling author of fiction where you can also find a full list of and the ambassadorial role he has previous winners, or contact us played on behalf of the University. An (contact details on page 25) to Emeritus Professor of the University, he request a nomination form. graduated LLB in 1971 and taught in the University’s School of Law for many years before retiring from his post as Professor of Medical Law in 2005 in order Edit talks to Alexander McCall Smith Alexander McCall Smith to concentrate on his writing career. on page 20. 04 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Vision for new Vet School at Easter Bush revealed

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal revealed the first artists’ impressions for a £37 million facility for the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies when she visited the University in June.

The new teaching facilities, to be built next to the cutting- edge hospitals for small and large animals at Easter Bush, Midlothian, will enable the world-renowned Royal (Dick) School to give trainee vets the best possible education and equip them to meet the challenges of veterinary practice in the 21st century. A £600,000 pledge from the Robertson Trust has recently given the project a welcome boost. The School was founded in 1823 by William Dick and is currently based at Summerhall, in Edinburgh, and at Easter Bush Veterinary Centre. The Summerhall building will be The University’s Principal, Professor Timothy O’Shea vacated when the new veterinary school opens in 2009. and HRH The Princess Royal

University backs Scottish Executive’s China plan The University has embraced the Scottish Executive’s China Strategy. The Principal, Professor Timothy O’Shea, says the initiative is important for Scotland’s future as China is playing an increasingly global economic, cultural and educational role.

The University has its own highly Professor O’Shea says: “The Scottish successful China strategy, which Executive’s strategy for China will involves research-based links with the provide an important framework for top Chinese universities and national collaboration between the many groups research institutes, joint educational in Scotland creating and developing programmes and strong recruitment links with China. The University looks of highly qualified Chinese students. forward to collaborating with the Executive and others, not least through In collaboration with the Chinese the important Confucius Institute, in Government and the Scottish Executive, ensuring the development of strong, the University is creating the Confucius mutually beneficial links.” Institute for Scotland in Edinburgh, part of an international network of institutes The University has a long history of designed to promote Chinese engagement with China; in 1855 it distinguished contributors to public life, language, learning and culture, and produced the first Chinese graduate science and medicine, most recently to act as a conduit for many Scottish- of any European university. Since then Professor Zhong Nanshan, who Chinese links. its Chinese alumni have included many identified the SARS virus. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 0305

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news University retains Fairtrade status The University has retained its Fairtrade status after receiving a glowing report from the independent Fairtrade Foundation.

The University of Edinburgh became tea were served by the University’s Scotland’s first Fairtrade university in-house team. in 2004. The renewal of this status recognises its long-term commitment Mark Ballard, the University’s rector, to the use of Fairtrade products and says: “It’s great the University has made contribution to better conditions for so much progress in selling products many farmers and communities in that ensure workers are treated fairly. The report praised the University for developing countries. its ethical purchasing policies and the “The global trade system discriminates advocacy of Fairtrade principles with EUSA has introduced a wide range against the world’s poorest people, and the National Union of Students. of Fairtrade products and the University buying Fairtrade is one easy, everyday is part of the City of Edinburgh Fairtrade way of helping them while campaigners Tim Gee, Vice-President of services at EUSA, says: “This year it will be easier than ever for universities to “ It’s great that the University has made so much progress commit to Fairtrade. Following the in selling products that ensure workers are treated fairly.” Fairtrade NUS campaign last year the student’s unions’ buying consortium has committed to supplying Fairtrade Steering Group. Fairtrade coffee and tea continue to push the UK Government tea, coffee and hot chocolate as default are the default choices of the University. to change these unfair trading rules. As from January 2007. The switch makes In 2005, over one million Fairtrade cups the first Fairtrade university in Scotland, commercial, as well as moral, sense.” of coffee and around 188,000 cups of Edinburgh has set an excellent example.”

Chancellor honours academic innovators Three outstanding academics received awards from HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Chancellor of the University, at a special dinner in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in August. The University of Edinburgh scholars were presented with their Chancellor’s Awards in front of some 200 supporters of the University. Attendees included leaders of industry, prominent members of the financial community, key figures in public bodies and various Edinburgh alumni. The awards, now in their fourth year, recognise innovation, creativity, personal dedication and relevance to society. The winners were Dr Simon Bates of the School of Physics for his development of innovative teaching techniques; Professor Donald MacKenzie of the School of Political and Social Studies for his internationally acclaimed research on the sociology of information technology; and Professor Stuart West of the School of Biological Sciences, who has been described as one of the top five evolutionary ecologists in Professor Stuart West with HRH Prince Philip the world aged under 40. 06 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Duke of Edinburgh opens world-class research institute HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, officially opened the University’s £49 million Queen’s Medical Research Institute (QMRI) in the summer.

The opening of the Institute marks a key milestone in the history of medical and scientific research at the University of Edinburgh, and the culmination of many years of fundraising for the new facility. Over 1,300 donors, including alumni, helped to achieve this vision. The QMRI brings together hundreds of elite researchers from three major disciplines: Inflammation Research, Cardiovascular Medicine and Reproductive Biology. HRH Prince Philip meets researchers at QMRI All three are existing areas of international strength for Edinburgh, proximity to the hospital is central to diseases: strokes, heart attacks, and uniting them in one building the Institute’s purpose. As Professor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, means that researchers are creating Haslett, the Institute’s Director, explains: liver and kidney failure. We can also new work that reaches across “The research is stimulated and guided more readily translate our discoveries disciplines. by the diseases the patients are into new ways of treating diseases The QMRI is located next to the suffering from in the Infirmary, and because we are next to the hospital. Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the QMRI is not about rare diseases; it’s Today’s research is truly tomorrow’s University’s Medical School. The about Scotland’s commonest deadly treatment.” Law Tercentenary anniversary events

The Law Tercentenary is a unique 31 October House of Lords reception. 11 December Public Law Tercentenary opportunity for the School of Law A reception for our London-based law Lecture with Antonin Scalia, Associate to celebrate its 300th anniversary graduates hosted by Lord Hope and Justice of the Supreme Court of the year with graduates, staff, students supported by Brodies United States Our Tercentenary lecture series and friends alike. We have a full Honorary graduations: includes: programme of celebratory events 10 February Honorary graduations 18 January Tercentenary lecture throughout 2007 including lectures, with the President of Ireland, Mary with Professor Sir Neil MacCormick, receptions, honorary graduations supported by Turcan Connell McAleese, The Right Honourable Lord and an alumni reunion weekend. Gill and Justice Albie Sachs of the 9 February Tercentenary lecture on A list of all events can be found Constitutional Court of South Africa at www.law.ed.ac.uk/tercentenary. the origins of the School of Law with Professor John W Cairns, supported 23 June In this special year law Highlights include: by Turcan Connell students will graduate separately 8–10 June Alumni reunion weekend, 23 November The WA Wilson alongside Professor Alexander McCall including a gala dinner, tours and Tercentenary Lecture with Lord Hope Smith, Professor Reinhard Zimmermann receptions of Craighead and Professor Martha Nussbaum The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 07

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

McEwan and Polish School of Medicine anniversary Prideaux collect In June 2006, the Polish School of Medicine (PSM) held a triple James Tait prizes celebration to mark the 65th Bestselling author Ian McEwan and anniversary of the founding of the PSM acclaimed biographer Sue Prideaux at the University of Edinburgh, the 20th joined the ranks of some of the anniversary of the PSM Memorial Fund greatest writers this summer when and the opening of the new Polish they were both presented with the Room at the Chancellor’s Building. University’s annual literary awards. This was a truly memorable occasion, with a wonderful atmosphere and a The James Tait Black Memorial Prizes, camaraderie which demonstrated which are the UK’s oldest literary that the spirit of the PSM is as alive Dr Sobol and Professor Kulczycki prizes, are awarded annually by the as ever – indeed flourishing. University for the best work of fiction and the best biography published during the previous year. This was a truly memorable occasion, with a wonderful At a ceremony in the Playfair Library atmosphere and a camaraderie which demonstrated that Hall, Ian McEwan was awarded the the spirit of the PSM is as alive as ever – indeed flourishing. fiction prize for his novel Saturday, while Sue Prideaux was the recipient On Monday 19 June, following the Presentations of gifts were followed by of the best biography for her work meeting of graduates and friends, an official photograph and lunch before Edvard Munch: Behind the Scream. the official opening of the Polish the party made its way to the City The prizes were presented by leading Room took place at the Chancellor’s Chambers, where they were piped into novelist Ian Rankin. Building. Professor Savill invited the a Civic Reception hosted by the Lord youngest and oldest graduates Provost, the Right Honourable Lesley present, Dr Sobol (aged 80) and Hinds. The highlight of the evening was Professor Kulczycki (aged 95) the presentation of University medals respectively, to cut the three-tiered by the Principal to Dr Durkacz, the cake. The cake was topped with a PSM’s last remaining Edinburgh-based fondant icing replica of Rostowski’s former student, graduate and member of staff of the PSM, and to Dr Sobol, ‘Maternity’, a bronze sculpture which initiator of the Memorial Fund. had been presented to the University Ian McEwan; Ian Rankin, Sue Prideaux by PSM graduates. The following morning graduates, friends and guests enjoyed a tour of the Chancellor’s Building and a This is the third award to an Edinburgh presentation on the contribution of Alan Bundy wins artificial intelligence pioneer, Donald e-based technology and information to Michie and Geoffrey Hinton being the undergraduate medical curriculum. IJCAI Award past recipients. Alan Bundy is the The celebrations concluded with a only researcher to have won both reception and buffet lunch hosted by The School of Informatics is proud the IJCAI Award for Research Vice-Principal of Development Young to announce that Professor Alan Excellence and the IJCAI Donald E Dawkins, who thanked the graduates Bundy has won the IJCAI Award for Walker Distinguished Service Award. and friends for their magnificent Research Excellence. This award is IJCAI is the International Joint fundraising achievements on behalf of given to a scientist who has carried Conference on Artificial Intelligence, the University and for their continuing out a programme of research of the main international gathering of support. He reminded everyone that consistently high quality yielding researchers and practitioners in the University was their home, and that several substantial results. artificial intelligence. they would always be welcome to visit. 08 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News The Carmichael Watson Project An update by Dr Domhnall Uilleam Stiùbhart, Celtic and Scottish Studies In the University of Edinburgh Library Library Special Collections and the strongroom are nine metres of shelving Department of Celtic and Scottish filled with notebooks and paper bundles Studies, has been investigating this composed by the pioneers of early collection. Carmichael’s original field Scottish Gaelic scholarship: the notebooks have been located, allowing Celtic letters designed for Carmina Gadelica Carmichael Watson collection. Pride us to peer over his shoulder as he of place goes to the manuscripts of scribbles down a plethora of lore in both are planned for next year. With the the famous folklore collector and editor, Gaelic and English. By studying the Carmichael Watson papers, and the vast Alexander Carmichael (1832–1912). hitherto un-catalogued reverse side of collections of manuscripts and tapes the papers, we can identify the recycled An exciseman who came from the preserved in the School of Scottish original Carmina drafts, and trace how island of Lismore, for over 50 years Studies Archives, Edinburgh has one Carmichael edited his material for Carmichael collected and transcribed a of the best folklore resources of any publication. wealth of lore from his native Highlands: university in the world. Thanks to the tales, ballads, historical narratives, The latest findings of the project were funding and promotion of online access archaeological and natural history circulated at a summer conference, to catalogues and priceless sound observations, proverbs, riddles and sponsored by the University’s Library recordings already underway at unusual words, as well as the hymns and the Islands Book Trust, held on the Edinburgh, people throughout the world and charms which made him famous. island of Benbecula, where Carmichael will be able to investigate the wealth His two-volume Carmina Gadelica lived and worked for nearly 20 years. of Scotland’s heritage for themselves, (1900) has since become a world- to trace its transmission down through Much cataloguing and research work renowned ‘bible of Celtic Christianity’. the generations, and to preserve it for remains to be done, as does the generations to come. For the past year the Carmichael dissemination of results to the wider Watson Project, with major funding from community. Conference proceedings A bilingual website for the project the Carnegie Trust for the Universities will appear shortly, while a biography can be found at: of Scotland, and administered by the and radio and television programmes www.carmichaelwatson.lib.ed.ac.uk. Mint painkiller takes leaf out of ancient medical texts

A new synthetic treatment inspired by painkillers, these compounds are likely ancient Greek and Chinese remedies to have minimal toxic side effects, could offer pain relief to millions of especially because they are applied patients with arthritis and nerve externally to the skin. This should mean damage, according to a new study from they are ideal for chronic pain patients the University. for whom conventional painkillers often do not work. Ancient Greece inspires new remedy The Greek scholar Hippocrates treated sprains, joint pains and inflammation by The Edinburgh study sets out exactly skin. The scientists have found that cooling the skin, and traditional Chinese how the ‘mint oil’ compounds (and when this receptor, called TRPM8, is remedies used mint oil to the same end. related, more powerful chemicals) activated by the cooling chemicals or Now scientists have discovered that work. They act through a recently cool temperatures, it inhibits the ‘pain cooling chemicals, which have the same discovered receptor (a protein which messages’ being sent from the locality properties as mint oil, have a dramatic is capable of binding with these of the pain to the brain. Thus, the new painkilling effect when applied in small chemicals) which is found in a small treatment makes good use of the doses to the skin. Unlike conventional percentage of nerve cells in the human body’s own mechanisms for killing pain. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 09

For all the latest University news, visit: www.ed.ac.uk/news

Geophysics alumnus picks up Geological Society Young Explorer Medal

Bryan Ritchie, who graduated from the North Sea. Bryan is one of the few University with a BSc in Geophysics in people in the industry to have a field 1997, has been awarded the Geological named after him, and the ‘Ritchie Society’s Young Explorer Medal for his Channel’ underpinned the need for outstanding contribution to both UK and additional well capacity on the platform international exploration. The Petroleum and extends the field’s life. Group of the Geographical Society Bryan Ritchie Bryan’s career in exploration continued awards this prize annually to under-35s with Angola Block 31 where he worked who have made a significant contribution Bryan’s career has not always been on regional and prospect work, to the discovery of hydrocarbons, or to about exploration. He spent time in the including the maturing of the Ceres an emerging talent who is making a Middle East and Pakistan Business Unit, prospect, which has also proved to be a significant impact on production. where he made a significant contribution discovery. His “golden touch” continued to the Sharjah underbalanced coiled The award recognises the significant in the Sakhalin team, which he joined tubing drilling campaign, which resulted contribution Bryan has made to the just before the first of the two in increased field production. The industry during his time working for BP. discoveries and he worked to open up project reached the finals of the 2004 In his initial role, Bryan’s work led to the another “frontier” in the Shmidts where Helios awards. generation, and subsequent drilling, he was lead geoscientist responsible for of a major satellite discovery to the giant interpreting the Medved prospect in the Bryan is currently project leader for the Magnus field in the UK sector of the West Shmidt licence. SE Illizi exploration block in Algeria.

University awarded grant for sleep apnoea research

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) of heart disease. we can better understand, prevent, has awarded funding to the University diagnose and treat Britain’s biggest The awards are made every two months of Edinburgh for research into the killer. We’re delighted scientists at by the BHF’s Project Grants Committee connection between sleep apnoea, Edinburgh are helping our efforts to fund research into the causes, high blood pressure and heart disease. to beat heart disease.” prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Breathing problems during sleep occur heart disease, Scotland’s biggest killer. in up to four per cent of middle-aged people. The condition, known as The research may help to ‘sleep apnoea’, can cause high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor identify which people should for developing heart disease. be proactively treated to reduce The first signs of disease can be their risk of heart disease. detected in the aorta. The BHF grant will enable University researchers to Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate investigate whether stiffening of the Medical Director at the BHF, says: aorta – a warning sign for disease – is “The BHF funds over £50 million of associated with varying extents of sleep heart research every year and our apnoea conditions. The research may project grants make up a major part of help to identify which people should be this research. This latest round of grants The link between sleep apnoea and heart disease is explored proactively treated to reduce their risk will advance our knowledge further so 10 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

University News Newsweek ranks Edinburgh in top 50 The University has been ranked as a top of Cambridge was ranked sixth, while 50 global university in a new list compiled Oxford was positioned eighth. by Newsweek. Edinburgh was placed The list took into consideration 47th in the list and was the only Scottish openness and diversity, as well as institution to appear in the top 100. distinction in research. Institutions were The top five spots were awarded to evaluated using some of the measures American universities: Harvard, Stanford, used in well-known league tables such Yale, California Institute of Technology as Shanghai Jiaotong University and and Berkeley, respectively. The University the THES.

MBA alumni reunite for 25th anniversary celebrations

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MBA, all alumni and current students from the MBA programmes were invited to a packed three days of events in June.

Two half-day seminars, entitled ‘The Latest Thinking’, marked the start of the MBA alumni exercise their competitive streak celebrations. Over 40 alumni, students and staff attended each event to hear Friday evening. ‘The Misfits’, a team a range of speakers from academia The highlight of the celebrations took and industry debate topics of particular made up of University staff, were the place that night at the Balmoral Hotel, relevance to businesses today. Day overall winners. They were: Liz Welch a fitting venue for the 25th Anniversary one focused on the issue of resource (MBA 1993), Ken Baird (MBA 1995), Ball. Over 200 MBA alumni and shortages, including the threats and Gordon Martin (MBA 1995), Ben Wood, partners attended the event, joined by opportunities faced by businesses, Shona Williamson and Kate Crichton. past directors including Simon Coke, Jenny Rees and Jamie Fleck, and other while day two looked at the subject There was an early start the following staff, students and invited guests of of innovation, knowledge assets and morning for those who had opted to intellectual property. the School. Many MBA classes from take part in the MBA ‘Highland Games’ the past 25 years were represented, Anyone undertaking an MBA is bound out at Peffermill playing fields. Over including some celebrating their own to have a competitive streak, so lunch attendees were entertained by landmark anniversary. perhaps it was inevitable that a quiz four Highland dancers from the Scottish should form part of the celebrations. Official Highland Dancing Association A special mention should be made to Teams of students, alumni and staff before the event was brought to a close the first group, the Class of 1981, who competed against each other in this with all ‘clans’ competing in a traditional had made a particular effort to get back challenging but light-hearted event on tug-of-war. together for the event. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 11 12

Jennifer Baird reports on the redevelopment plans for the University’s Main Library. Booking a ticket to the 21st century A look at the future of the Main Library

For over 400 years the several sides, will undergo extensive want to come in and use parts of the University Library has been internal redesign over the next five to Library or research collections, or just a source of information and eight years. This will preserve the have a cup of coffee.” inspiration for students ranging Library’s historic treasures and reaffirm from Charles Darwin and Arthur its status as the intellectual heart of the One of the factors that helped get the Conan Doyle to Ian Rankin University, while also providing for the Main Library project off the ground was and Gordon Brown. For the requirements of today and tomorrow’s student campaigning. Sarah Nicolson, last 40 of those years, the Main students. Helen Hayes, Vice-Principal who was President of the Student Union Library has been housed in the for Knowledge Management, and in 2003, held a major student survey to distinctive, A-listed Sir Basil Librarian to the University since 2003, try and get changes made, producing Spence building overlooking is enthusiastic about the changes: a report on how students’ working and the Meadows. “The Library is very important in many learning were changing the way that people’s lives, and we want to ensure libraries were being used. This report As part of the recently launched that the redesign is sympathetic to this. became the basis for the year-long University of Edinburgh Campaign The programme of renovation is going consultation that took place before the fundraising initiative, it is undergoing to change the ground floor quite redevelopment began. Being an A-listed its first major redevelopment since significantly, making it a modern, Basil Spence building, much of the its opening in 1967. Ultimately, welcoming space for students in the exterior (and parts of the interior) cannot it will provide world-class future. There will be a café and be radically altered. Spence, famous for information services for updated reception and help such buildings as the new Coventry the 21st century for points which are integrated Cathedral and the New Zealand students, staff and into the environment. We parliament building, will be the focus of members of the want to welcome not just several commemorative events in 2007, public. The Main our own students, but also the centenary of his birth. Library, which stands members of the on the southwest community who Floors five and six, where Special corner of George Square Collections is housed, are currently in and has stunning views on the process of being upgraded. Special Collections holds a host of valuable Basil Spence treasures such as illuminated Islamic Image courtesy manuscripts, fine Shakespeare quartos of RCAHMS and an extensive collection of material 13

on the Scottish Enlightenment, as befits Helen Hayes says: “Most people would For my final undergraduate year this leading Scottish university. Rare prefer not to stand in a queue, so the in 1976, the top floor of the Library artefacts such as these will soon be course book (short loan) collection, for became my home. Having enjoyed more readily available for public view, example, is being expanded so that any a very extracurricular first three with new showcasing and exhibition student, between lectures, can run in years, I had to study hard in my space allocated to displaying more of quickly and find the book they want, final year to catch up with my more the University’s intellectual heritage. “We without actually having to go up three studious colleagues, and to respect have collections that people aren’t even floors and search along the shelves to the effort the University had made aware that we own,” says Helen Hayes. see if someone’s got the book out! The to develop my potential. Having a “The fifth and sixth floors will be partly plan is to preserve and enhance many quiet, book-lined safe haven was dedicated to showcasing these objects, of the features of the building through, a vital component to my enjoyment and the rooftop will be transformed into for example, better use of lighting and and enrichment – and I still use the a feature garden.” The garden will be appropriate colour schemes. Lewis and library for moments of peaceful inspired by Scotland’s geology, and is Hickey Architects and the design team retreat and reflection! set to provide a stimulating study space have some exciting and innovative SHEENA MCDONALD, TELEVISION PRESENTER on warm days, or one for hardy plans including terrific ideas for the use individuals in January! of glass to ensure that spaces look My main memory of the University open; potentially with glass ceilings and Library is photocopying my first Alumni worldwide have always shown floors and so on. The view from the book, The Flood, on the Library a huge interest in the Library’s activities rooftop is absolutely gorgeous anyway, copiers. There is a good chance and, along with many Edinburgh very inspirational.” that the first Rebus novel, Knots citizens, have been generous in their and Crosses, was also copied here, financial support. In 1667, “the pious The redevelopment is one of the most although the exact details have and virtuous matron, Isobell Mitchell,” significant changes to be made to the faded somewhat over the years … widow of the city treasurer, donated University’s estate for many years. As IAN RANKIN, NOVELIST “one hundred merks Scots” to the Sheila Cannell points out: “the emphasis University Library (see picture), and is on balancing the preservation of the Dr Henry Adam, medical scientist at great historic collections of the past with the University and a great lover of rare meeting the needs of current and future books, left a legacy of £400,000 in students.” From Psychology to 2004. Sheila Cannell, Director Philosophy, the Main Library has meant of Library Services, explains where the many different things to different people money from future fundraising over the years, and in the future will meet successes will go: “It will be used to the needs of many thousands in the enhance the collections as well as to University and the wider community. Ian Rankin in Main Library building. support the building redesign. The sixth When the redesign work is complete, the floor will be altered to allow much more new building will be the place for students to be put on permanent display than to come for a whole range of facilities and My memories of the library are: previously. The redevelopment that services: a place to work in a peaceful • the second floor being a atmosphere; somewhere to peruse and we’re undertaking is both to serve what completely social space populated borrow the books, journals and other the students need now, which is very by History of Art students arranging printed materials; and a high-tech focus different from what students may have their social lives (loudly); and for group study, student services and e- needed in the past, and also to • spending far too much time in learning ... not forgetting somewhere to reinforce the fact that this is a research the coffee shop in the basement get a cup of coffee and meet with friends! library, the intellectual warehouse of the eating Kit Kats rather than studying. University.” Raising funds to continue JENNY COLGAN, NOVELIST with the redevelopment is an ongoing At the same time, it should not be task, and the Library is fortunate to forgotten that this is very much a have support already from various research library, and will be fully funders who have made generous equipped for the cutting-edge research donations towards its future. for which Edinburgh is renowned. As the redevelopment progresses, In terms of new technology, the students, staff and the wider community can look forward to all these things, and redevelopment gives an opportunity to An illustration from Henderson’s to celebrating the intellectual past, provide more convenient access to Donation book, 1667, showing the first present and future of the University in books, particularly for undergraduates. donations to the Library the new Main Library. 14

Fresh from his second space mission, Edinburgh alumnus and astronaut Piers Sellers talks to Claire Simpson SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL “The clock ticks down. The turbo “I was born at the right time,” he pumps way below you, winds up modestly claims. “[The early space and then starts howling at 80,000 rpm. programme] was a background The rocket explodes off the pad and adventure to my childhood. It was you are shaking violently in the exciting. You genuinely didn’t know cockpit. Once you’ve shaken, rattled if it was going to happen or not.” and rolled, the sky changes from blue to black, you’re travelling five Sellers’ enthusiasm for space travel miles per second, and you can see was apparent early, but it was his Africa and Asia as you’re floating passion for biology and ecology around the cabin.” that led him to pursue a degree in Ecological Science at the University Edinburgh alumnus Piers Sellers of Edinburgh. “Where else would speaks animatedly about his work – anyone want to go? I was interested and by most people’s standards it in ecology and biology, and certainly beats a day in the office. Edinburgh was one of the few places Sellers, who returned from his second offering that degree at the time. space mission in July last year, is only The city is a great place to be as the third Briton to have ever travelled a student – it’s designed to be a into space. young person’s theme park. The people were fantastic, especially Memories as a six-year-old boy of those who taught the course,” watching Yuri Gagarin undertake he recalls affectionately. his historic adventure clearly left an impression upon Sellers. Inspired He graduated from Edinburgh with by the early space programme a 2:1 in Ecological Science with of the 1960s, his childhood Honours in Resource Management, fantasy of becoming an which he followed up with a PhD astronaut became a from the University of Leeds. Shortly reality more than after, he began a career as an 40 years later. environmental scientist for NASA as part of its “Mission to Planet Earth” programme, which launched in the early 1980s.

Professor John Grace, Head of the Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Science at the University, remembers him well: “He was obviously an above average student. He was very sociable and highly interactive and probably spent a good deal of time at the bar in Teviot Union.” 15 Alaisdair Smith Photograph

“I’ll do anything and everything I can to persuade young people to become interested in science and engineering… Careers in science and engineering are mobile and can take you everywhere in the world, from Hong Kong to Australia, from underwater to space.”

He adds that it was throughout his Professor Jarvis credits Sellers with listens to bad music. Careers in scientific career that he emerged the mushrooming of similar integrated science and engineering are mobile as an “amazing leader”. projects and the development of the and can take you everywhere in the scientific instrumentation required to world, from Hong Kong to Australia, Professor Paul Jarvis, who also taught carry out the remote sensing they from underwater to space. You can Sellers at Edinburgh, echoes this. were involved in. “What didn’t exist choose where you want to go, He worked with Sellers on the Boreal in 1990 can now be bought off the because the skills are transportable.” Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study shelf. Piers was at the heart of these (BOREAS), a massive international developments through BOREAS,” he And what young person wouldn’t be interdisciplinary experiment in Canada says. It was shortly after the BOREAS inspired by a man who has been involving more than 250 scientists. project that Sellers was selected for able to “watch the world go by” from Sellers co-led the project and it was NASA’s astronaut programme in 1996 outside a space vehicle? “[Space] is this high-profile managerial role that and, in an age where scientific a beautiful place. It’s addictive,” says Professor Jarvis says was the acme of subjects are declining in popularity, Sellers. And while it’s a place that he his scientific career. surely there is no better advocate is unlikely to revisit, his work involves for scientific careers. more than gathering breathtaking “Piers was the bright, young, dynamic memories. leader. He would organise gatherings, Sellers says: “I’ll do anything and in which we would drink beer and everything I can to persuade young He reveals: “Professionally, the discuss our progress. He would run people to become interested in highlight is being where I am, part of these meetings wearing his army science and engineering. I don’t think a bigger programme, and working fatigue gear. He was a good young people know enough about with people who have amazing ideas coordinator but he wasn’t just a what careers in science and and the genuine belief that they can manager – he’s a damn good engineering can offer. They think too happen. It’s incredible to work in an scientist and has top scientific much about the image of a man with environment where amazing things credentials,” he relates. short hair and a white coat who happen for the first time ever.” 16 Review of the Year 2005/06

The University will publish its Annual Review for the financial year 2005/06 in January. The Review focuses on the University community’s contribution to excellence, and the abbreviated version below covers some of the highlights. The full Review will be available electronically at www.ed.ac.uk/annualreview/, and can also be made available in Braille and large print format, or on CD, disc or audio cassette.

If you are attending the General Council meeting on OCTOBER 2005 Saturday 3 February 2007, and would like a copy in • The Sunday Times University Guide ranks Edinburgh advance, please contact the Publications Team: as the Scottish University of the Year. Communications and Marketing, The University of Edinburgh • The University joins a ground-breaking international alliance Centre, 7-11 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9BE; email that will work towards the development of new drug [email protected]; telephone 0131 650 2252. therapies. The Scottish Centre for Genomic Technology and Informatics (GTI) at the University is one of nine centres around the world to have been chosen by US genetics AUGUST 2005 company Dharmacon to form a new Genome-Wide RNAi Global Initiative to advance biomedical research. • Scientists at the University develop a new technique which • The Edinburgh Research Partnership (ERP) is launched. The can rid surgical instruments of the infectious agents that £24 million initiative will make Scotland’s capital a magnet for cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans. The international funding and will support postgraduate talent project is funded by the Department of Health and could working in key areas of engineering and mathematics. soon be developed commercially. • HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Chancellor of the University, presents awards to Professor Jean Beggs, from NOVEMBER 2005 the School of Biological Sciences, for her work on molecular • The University wins one of the prestigious Queen’s genetics, and Professor Jane Dawson for her development Anniversary prizes for the Virtual Hospital Online, a learning of innovative e-Teaching techniques in the School of Divinity. support environment developed in the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine. The Virtual Hospital allows students • Scientists at the Universities of Edinburgh and Milan make to access a vast range of online resources and services, a major breakthrough in tackling neurological conditions like tailored specifically to their studies. Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. They are the first in the world to develop a new technique to grow pure brain stem cells, • Scientists from the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, helping to discover more about these diseases. together with scientists from a pharmaceutical company, identify a new gene linked to major mental illness that links SEPTEMBER 2005 back to a previously discovered gene known to increase the risk of schizophrenia and depression. • A trial led by Professor Keith Fox produces landmark results, revealing that more than 5,000 lives could be saved in the UK each year by changing the way Acute Coronary DECEMBER 2005 Syndrome (ACS) is treated. Professor Fox’s research, funded • New research by University scientists shows an important by the British Heart Foundation, is the first large long-term breakthrough in understanding how animals with complex study to show that early specialist assessment and nervous systems, such as humans, achieve rapid signalling procedures to repair or bypass damaged arteries can save between their nerve cells. The discovery may lead to new lives of people with ACS. ways to help treat patients with multiple sclerosis. • The Economic and Social Research Council’s Genomics • The University’s Management School wins the inaugural Policy and Research Forum launches at the University. The Scottish Financial Enterprise Innovators Award for its new Forum aims to help further our understanding of the use of MSc in Finance and Investment, beating off entries from genomics-related science and technologies. leading banks and finance and investment houses. 17

• University scientists discover a potential new treatment for • The University of Edinburgh is to participate in the world’s rheumatoid arthritis. They identify a new class of compounds first Translational Medicine Research Collaboration. The which could lead to the production of a cheaper but equally collaboration is the result of an investment, worth up to £50 effective version of an existing treatment of rheumatoid million, by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s largest arthritis called anti-TNF therapy. pharmaceutical companies.

JANUARY 2006 MAY 2006 • The University’s annual turnover exceeds £400 million • Professor Tom Devine, the pre-eminent authority on for the first time, making it the largest university in Scotland, the history of modern Scotland, delivers his inaugural and sixth in the UK, in terms of overall income. lecture reviewing the Anglo-Scottish Union, in the approach to the 300th anniversary of the Union of the Parliaments. • The University is the first institution in Scotland to take part in the National Student Survey, which asks final-year students • The University appoints two new Vice-Principals. Professor for their views on the quality of their degree programmes Steve Chapman will take up the position of Vice-Principal and universities. of Planning and Resources in September 2007, while Professor Lorraine Waterhouse will take up the position FEBRUARY 2006 of Vice-Principal for Equality and Diversity in January 2007. • The University collaborates in Generation Scotland, an ambitious and ground-breaking project looking at the ways JUNE 2006 genetic and lifestyle factors can cause cancer, heart disease • The University launches a major five-year energy reduction and mental illness. campaign internally. The scheme aims to save money, • The University signs an agreement with the Systems Biology reduce the University’s carbon dioxide emissions, and Institute in Tokyo which will enable multidisciplinary research contribute to the global fight against climate change. to take place, bringing together biologists, mathematicians • The University will join a £22 million research initiative set up and computer scientists. to help scientists better understand the planet’s environmental problems. The Scottish Alliance for GeoScience, Environment MARCH 2006 and Society (SAGES) will focus on subjects such as climate • The University’s eScience Institute is awarded funding of over change, soil erosion, floods and greenhouse gases and their £2.7 million through an Engineering and Physical Sciences wider impact. Research Council grant which will enable it to continue its • Edinburgh researchers devise a new means to identify programme of support for the UK eScience community. groups of people genetically more at risk from bowel cancer, • The Student Barometer Project sees the University rated potentially leading to new measures to prevent the disease highly by international students for reputation, friendliness for thousands of people in the future. and teaching quality. The study is considered to be a global • Graduations proceed almost entirely to plan despite benchmark of expectations and experiences among industrial action by some staff. international students. JULY 2006 APRIL 2006 • The University forms a partnership with its neighbour the • Major funding is announced to enable researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons to offer a degree in Surgical University to tackle some of the most difficult challenges Science. The collaboration is thought to be their first ever facing biological science. The £8.5 million award, from the formal agreement. Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), will support a new centre for research into • Scientists at Edinburgh discover primitive liver cells in the integrative systems biology. human body that have the potential to mature into different cell types and help repair a failing liver. The findings • A major donation by Harry Potter author JK Rowling enables suggest alternative methods to liver transplants in treating the University to form a Scottish Multiple Sclerosis research liver diseases. centre – the first of its kind in the UK. 18

The University of Edinburgh’s 16Talbot Rice Gallery

Talbot Rice Gallery is the public art Supporting the Gallery gallery of the University of Edinburgh. Talbot Rice receives funding from Exhibitions Established in 1975, it is named after the University of Edinburgh and the David Talbot Rice, Professor of Fine Scottish Arts Council. Donations JAMIE SHOVLIN - AGGREGATE Art (1934 –1972). The Gallery is rooted through sponsorship, trusts and 20 January–10 March 2007 in an academic situation. It plays a foundations, Friends of the Talbot key role in the cultural life of the city, Rice Gallery and individuals enable A touring project of Jamie Shovlin’s drawing a local, national and the Gallery to further develop and work. Part of the project is the visual international audience to a dynamic strengthen the programme. study of multiple copies of Darwin’s programme of exhibitions and events. The Origin of Species, each edited There are a number of ways you can to show the text most relevant to each Exhibition spaces help to support us. For example: individual reader. It is pertinent that The White Gallery is the main exhibition the exhibition be held in the University’s • £10 will buy one year’s membership space at Talbot Rice, showing five major Talbot Rice Gallery; 180 years earlier to Friends of the Talbot Rice Gallery changing exhibitions per year. The Darwin whiled away his free time in • £25 will help to print an exhibition round room is a unique architectural the same space – what was then guide space, which links the White and the Natural History Museum – surely • £100 will provide materials for Georgian galleries. The permanent inspiring his revolutionary thought a children’s workshop collection is on show in the Georgian on evolution of humankind. • £5,000 will fund a year of round Gallery, a fine room originally designed room projects by William Playfair. The display consists ALEX POLLARD of Old Master paintings, sculptures For information on how to make a 21 April–2 June 2007 and Renaissance bronzes. donation, and how you can support Predominantly a sculptor, Pollard’s the Fine Art Collection, please contact Friends of the Talbot Rice Gallery working methods involve taking familiar the University’s Development Office The Friends were formed in 1976. objects, breaking them down and on 0131 650 2240. By organising fundraising activities, rebuilding them as precarious fictions. lectures and visits, Friends help Recently he has formed sculptures, Talbot Rice Gallery support the Gallery. With invitations from what appear on first glance to be The University of Edinburgh to exhibition previews and events as rulers and pencils, but are actually Old College well as a programme of special painted trompe l’oeil plaster casts. South Bridge lectures and outings throughout the Edinburgh EH8 9YL year, the Friends group is a vital part Images of your cultural diary. Why not join? T: 0131 650 2210 Main image Contact the Gallery for membership E: [email protected] Alex Pollard, Figures, 2005. information. W: www.trg.ed.ac.uk Image courtesy of Sorcha Dallas Inset images (left to right) Opening hours Jamie Shovlin, stack of multiple Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm, editions of Charles Darwin’s The admission to all spaces is free. Origin of Species (1859), 2006 The Torrie Collection, After Domenihino, Martyrdom of St Andrew, James Erskine 1823 Robert Hughes reception, Festival 2005 19 20

Ronald Kerr talks to Alexander McCall Smith about his connection with Africa and plans for Edinburgh to revive its ties with the continent.

When the writer Alexander McCall The School’s ambitious scholarship valuable link which was a very positive Smith talks about Edinburgh Law fund is particularly close to the heart influence on the Law faculty. School’s ambitious plans to reinvigorate of the best-selling author. Professor its long-standing ties with southern McCall Smith played a key role in “You can go to those parts of southern Africa, you can imagine Botswana’s a pioneering scheme in the 1970s Africa today and find senior figures No. 1 sleuth, Precious Ramotswe, which saw the then Faculty of Law in the legal profession and judiciary beaming with pride. Mma Ramotswe transformed by a regular annual intake who have an Edinburgh background would detect genuine enthusiasm in of undergraduate law students from – people who were exposed to, and the voice of her literary creator as southern Africa. took an interest in, Scots law. he speaks of a new venture which will enable African law graduates to It is a time of which Professor McCall “I remember many of the students from complete their postgraduate studies Smith speaks fondly, as he taught those days, and I still see them now in Edinburgh. dozens of law students from the when I am in Botswana. They remain University of Botswana, Lesotho very loyal to Edinburgh and have The initiative is part of a programme and Swaziland – the forerunner of a strong affection for the University.” of activity, beginning this year, which the present-day University of Botswana, marks 300 years since Edinburgh’s where he helped to set up the Law The same could be said of Professor first chair in Law was established Faculty in 1981. McCall Smith’s attachment to Africa. – a milestone of more than passing Just as the great Scots writer, Lewis interest to Alexander McCall Smith, Edinburgh was a less cosmopolitan Grassic Gibbon, wrote brilliantly about who retired as Professor of Medical place in the seventies and Professor his native Kincardineshire when he was Law at Edinburgh in 2005 to McCall Smith is full of admiration for an adult exiled in the Home Counties, concentrate on his writing career. the way the young African students so too has distance helped the responded to the challenge. Edinburgh-based McCall Smith evoke, A Tercentenary appeal aims to raise with simplicity and clarity, the landscape £4.1 million to enhance the continuing “The students spent two years of their of southern Africa where he grew up. standards of excellence in law at undergraduate law programme at Edinburgh, and a key part of that Edinburgh, and they made a very “My writing reflects the parts of the initiative is attracting the brightest important contribution to the life of the world that I know, and Africa is where students from the UK and around University. They brought an interesting I spent my childhood. It’s impossible the world. perspective and it proved to be a not to be moved by its impressive and 21

affecting landscape, and its people. An initiative such as the new I very much hope that the reader will scholarships programme will, it is get a glimpse of the remarkable hoped, help to transform that world qualities of Botswana.” for the better, but the Dean of the University of Edinburgh’s School It is also easy to detect in his series of Law, Professor William Gilmore, of Detective Agency novels a benign believes that the programme will also legal mind at work – though, of course, enhance academic life at Edinburgh. less so than in his earlier specialist texts such as The Criminal Law of He says: “The international Botswana and Forensic Aspects of perspective, which this scheme brings, Sleep. It is a mind which has created is of invaluable benefit to the School an appealing character in Mma and its students: it promotes diversity Ramotswe who is, at once, inventive in teaching and research and the yet steeped in convention, practical students ultimately take the legal yet soft-hearted but, most of all, wise. knowledge gained back to their country.”

“I remember many of the students from those days, and I still see them now when I am in Botswana. They remain very loyal to Edinburgh and have a strong affection for the University.”

“Perhaps it’s inevitable that my fiction The Tercentenary scholarship fund has writing will be affected by my already received £15,000 in donations, professional interests. But when I write but Professor Gilmore hopes that more about Precious Ramotswe, I try to get donors will support the initiative. A gift across the justifiable sense of pride of at least £10,000 per year is needed which the people of Botswana have to enable one African student to study in their country. for a one-year law masters degree at Edinburgh. “By the time it became independent in 1966, Botswana had been rather The Dean’s sentiments are echoed neglected by the British – there wasn’t by Professor McCall Smith: “The very much in terms of roads and scholarships initiative is a wonderful schools, for example – but the people idea and, if people could support it, of Botswana have built it up very that would be marvellous because successfully. They are proud of those there are long-established ties achievements and they have a great love between Scotland and southern Africa. of their country, which Mma Ramotswe is not ashamed to talk about.” “Edinburgh has a great deal to offer the next generation of southern African Professor McCall Smith returns each students at postgraduate level. It is year to that remarkable country – most one of the great law schools of western recently to set up a music Europe, and I know that those students scholarships programme and a literary from Africa who studied here in the 1970s prize – and he has been delighted took a great deal from their time here.” to find that his books are as popular there as at home. Professor McCall Smith believes that the programme could produce lasting “I was worried that they might have benefits which are evident far beyond reservations about an outsider writing the precincts of Old College: “Academic about their society, but they appear links such as this are very important, to like the way in which their world particularly in law, because the is portrayed.” development of good government and a stable legal system is crucial if African countries are to develop and change.” 22 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Alumni News

Veterinary alumni homecoming weekend In June 2007, the Royal (Dick) Lecture, a day of CPD, tours of the animal 1957 BVM&S School of Veterinary Studies will hospitals at Easter Bush, a gala dinner and a Sunday brunch at Summerhall. The class of BVM&S 1957 are celebrate 50 years of the BVM&S planning to meet up in Edinburgh We hope many classes will consider degree, which has been awarded at some point during the homecoming holding reunions to coincide with the since the Dick Vet College joined weekend to celebrate their 50th homecoming weekend, and a number with the University of Edinburgh. of groups are already considering this. anniversary of graduation. To mark this anniversary, all Vet alumni If you would like to get together with Members of that first 1952 year are being invited back to Edinburgh for your classmates, please contact are invited to contact: a homecoming weekend from 22 to 24 Development & Alumni at the email John Dawson (01928-714546); June. The weekend’s programme will address listed on page 23 – we’d be or Peter Moody (01823-490537, include the William Dick Memorial delighted to help you. email [email protected]).

academic home, to celebrate our 50th As we enter our 70s, we haven’t been Classics 1956 anniversary. wholly immune to physical frailties, but these are easily forgotten as we Seven students who matriculated at Recent years have robbed us of nearly revive the spirit of our youth. The the University of Edinburgh in 1952 all our mentors; Dr Theodore Cadoux essence of the bond forged by four graduated with Honours in Classics (Ancient History) alone survives of those years of shared experience in a small 50 years ago on 5th July 1956. Sadly who greeted us in 1952. We were group seems to return immediately one of our number died many years delighted that he accepted our we enter the Old Quad. We thank the ago, but the remaining six have all kept invitation this year to join us with his University for the foundation it gave to in touch throughout these 50 years and wife, and to find that, although recently our lives all these years ago, and for have lunched together in the city on retired from hill-walking and country the lasting friendship, support and various anniversaries of the graduation dancing, he is still, at 89 years old, companionship of our fellow graduates. date. Most recently, on 5 July 2006, engaged in academic research. We all six with four spouses, including were pleased also to welcome Mr Alan And the tradition continues; 2006 one Edinburgh Classics graduate of a Hood, who looked in to bring greetings saw the graduation at Edinburgh later date, met in Old College, our from the present Classics staff. of two sons of the 1956 graduates.

Edinburgh University Music likely to include Puccini’s “Messe Former members who want to be di Gloria” and competition winner’s involved are urged to get in touch. We’d Society 140th anniversary composition.* love to see as many of you as possible celebration 18 March: Symphony Orchestra, at the performances we have lined up. Greyfriars Kirk, 7.30pm: Neilsen Edinburgh University Music Society If you want to find out more, please Symphony No.4; MacMillan The (formally the Reid Orchestra and email [email protected] Confession of Isobel Gowdie; Revueltas Edinburgh University Musical Society) or take a look at our website: Sensemaya proudly announces its 140th anniversary. http://musoc.eusa.ed.ac.uk. 11 May: EUMS Gala Concert, To commemorate the occasion, we will Greyfriars Kirk, 7.30pm (programme * We are holding a competition to perform a series of concerts throughout TBC) compose a fanfare to be played by the year. Highlights include: November: (venue & date TBC) Sinfonia. Please see our website or 10 March: Sinfonia & Chorus, St Symphony Orchestra & Chorus: contact [email protected] Cuthbert’s Church, 7.30pm: programme Verdi Requiem for more details. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 23

For all the latest Alumni news, visit: www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk

Does 2007 mark a significant anniversary of your graduation from the University of Edinburgh? Perhaps five, ten, 25 or even 50 years? Maybe your class is already planning a reunion – that’s great, and hopefully we already know about it, but if not please let us know. If you haven’t started organising your reunion yet, then don’t worry, it’s not too late. Development & Alumni can help you to contact your former classmates, find a venue and give other general advice and assistance. Simply visit our website at www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk or email [email protected] to request a copy of our Guidelines on Organising a Reunion. We look forward to hearing from you.

Reunions in 2007 Reunions in 2008

1947 MB ChB 1971/1972 LLB 1988 MB ChB John Loudon Alan Sharp Clare Livingston 25/26 July 2007 21–22 September 2007 6–8 June 2008 New College of Surgeons Hall Edinburgh Peebles Hotel Hydro Contact: [email protected] 1957 MB ChB 1972 BSc Agriculture Graham Meikle Mr John Marshall 1987/1988 BVM&S 26–28 September 2007 Oct/Nov 2007 Ali Cullum Peebles Hotel Hydro 1976 BSc Engineering 1988 BSc Agricultural Economics 1957 BDS Keith Raeburn Harry Elwin Andrew Ross & 2 June 2007 Stewart MacGregor Teviot Row Union Reunions in 2011 1957 LLB 1977 MB ChB Michael Wallace James Garden MB ChB 1966 Date and venue Tbc 31 August – Ruth Mackenzie 2 September 2007 2–4 September 2011 Scotland 1962 MB ChB Gleneagles Hotel Dr Hamish Polson Contact: [email protected] 6–8 June 2007 1982 BSc Chemistry Peebles Hotel Hydro Dorothy Welch 23 June 2007 1962 MA French Jim Inglis 1987 MB ChB 6 July 2007 Dr Peter McCalister Braidwoods Restaurant, 27–28 April 2007 Dalry, Ayrshire Caledonian Hotel, Contact: [email protected] Edinburgh 1960–1964 EU Yacht Club 1992 BVM&S Tom Taylor Michael Stevenson 14–16 September 2007 7 July 2007 Contact: thomastaylor_217@ Balmoral Hotel, hotmail.com Edinburgh 1972 BVM&S 1992 MB ChB Helen Franklin Dr Drummond Begg 21–22 September 2007 23 –25 March 2007 Edinburgh Peebles Hotel Hydro 1967 MB ChB 2002 BVM&S Dr Gilmour Sarah Gasper 5–7 October 2007 June/July 2007 Peebles Hotel Hydro Edinburgh

For details of alumni clubs or reunions, or to make contact with a reunion organiser, please contact Beth Munro, Development & Alumni, tel +44 (0)131 650 2240, email [email protected] or visit www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk. 24 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Alumni News

Forthcoming Club events

Edinburgh University Club Club quarterly dinners For details of both the Burns Supper of London First Thursday of every March, and quarterly dinners, please contact: Burns Supper 2007 June, September and December Peter Stephenson (joint event with the Aberdeen Club) 7.00 for 7.30 pm at the Tel: 01754 89 6622 (24hr) Caledonian Club, 9 Halkin Street, Email: [email protected] Friday 2 February, 6.30 for 7.00 pm London SW1 St Columba’s Church Hall, Pont St, SW1 This dinner is an informal event (although men need to wear a jacket This year the Edinburgh and Aberdeen and tie). Payment is by cash at the end London Clubs are organising a joint of the evening. No need to book, but Burns Supper. The evening’s if you are coming please let Peter entertainment will include a full three- Stephenson know in advance so we course sit-down meal with haggis and know how large a table to book. a nip and dancing to the Wraggle Taggle Band. The cost is normally around £35 per head. A cash wine bar will operate for additional drinks. Tickets £42 per head.

Glenmorangie – Edinburgh University Talk by Dr David Wood Sunday 25 March 2007, 3pm–5pm a history of whisky Club of Toronto (EDUCT) The Arts and Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, Toronto The 2007 Burns’ Nightcap David Wood, Historical Geographer, Thursday 25 January, 6.30pm–9.30pm, graduate of the University of Bow and Arrow Pub, Edinburgh, Professor Emeritus at York 1954 Yonge Street, near Yonge University, will give a talk on ‘Scots in and Davisville, Toronto the Settlement of Ontario’. Coffee, tea, Haggis and other delectable goodies cookies and cash bar. will be presented. EDUCT Annual Dinner Talk by Mayor David Miller Friday 4 May 2007, 6.30pm Sunday 25 February 2007, 3pm–5pm Great Hall of the Arts and David Blackmore, an enthusiastic The Arts and Letters Club, 14 Elm Letters Club, 14 Elm Street, Toronto representative of Glenmorangie, Street, Toronto did a fine job giving the Atlanta Another fun-filled evening is being Chapter a history of whisky, The current Mayor of Toronto, planned promising to surpass last and of his company, and answering David Miller, will join EDUCT members year’s successful event. The President all manner of questions, always with for tea and a cash bar. He will give of the Sir Walter Scott Society, Harry a smile. We are already talking about a talk on future plans for the City Ferguson, will speak at the dinner on a return visit! The photograph depicts of Toronto. the subject of Sir Walter Scott. the people involved in Round 2 of the tasting. Each group took about an hour to savour six varieties of For further details of all these events contact: Anna Voineskos at [email protected] or on 416-964-6319. single malt! The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 25

For all the latest Alumni news, visit: www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk

Edinburgh University 50 years of Applied Linguistics at the History Graduates’ University of Edinburgh (6-8 September 2007) Association – the To mark the 50th anniversary BAAL Meeting, a Pit Corder Colloquium David Horn Prize of academic Applied Linguistics at the will be held in celebration of the Edinburgh The Edinburgh University University of Edinburgh, the 40th Annual contribution to Applied Linguistics. There History Graduates’ Association Meeting of the British Association for will also be a jubilee feast. Applied Linguistics (BAAL) will be held (EUHGA) has regrettably been Former students and staff who would in Edinburgh in 2007, hosted by the wound up after 23 years of like more information about the reunion University. service. are encouraged to contact Jean Details of the conference will be posted on McCutcheon at jubilee07@ (Something of its history can be found the BAAL website (www.baal.org) after googlemail.com. We look forward to in its October 2005 Newsletter.) At a this year’s conference. As part of the hearing from you. General Meeting in March 2006 the members decided to donate the assets of the Association, amounting to more New Scotland Country Dance than £7,000, to fund a prize in memory of David Horn, who held the chair of Society’s 60th anniversary Modern History from 1954 until his death in 1969. (For more on David New Scotland will be holding their 60th videos etc, please let us know. Horn, see ‘A fortunate life’ in the April anniversary celebration next year. The We are also publishing an anniversary 2004 Newsletter.) main event will be a ball on Saturday dance book. If you wish any dances 19 May 2007 in South Hall, Pollock Halls Dr Frank Cogliano writes: “The History considered for inclusion please send (provisional). The ball programme is Subject Area is profoundly grateful us cribs before New Scotland’s Annual being written by Alex Gray which, along to the EUHGA for its generosity in Dance (27 January). Other limited edition with a hot buffet and top-notch band, establishing the David Horn Prize. merchandise, such as CDs, kilt pins In honour of the Association’s long and guarantees a good night. Band, ticket and brooches, will also be available. distinguished tradition of cooperation price, time and venue are to be We’d like to see as many people as with the History department, the prize confirmed. See our website (www. possible celebrate New Scotland’s 60th will recognise annually the most newscotland.org.uk) for information or, so please pass this information to any deserving History graduate who alternatively, contact Yoshimi Kuroda ex-members you know to spread the continues to do postgraduate work in (see below) nearer the time. word! For more information please the subject at the University ... a fitting A reception, held on the afternoon contact: Yoshimi Kuroda on tribute to the fine work of EUHGA and of the 19th, with tea and coffee will allow [email protected] or visit the distinguished colleague for whom reflection on 60 years of New Scotland. www.newscotland.org.uk. the prize is named.” If you wish to contribute any photos,

The University of Edinburgh exclusive benefits for University campaign for higher education Campaign website: of Edinburgh alumni, including ever launched in Scotland. discounted room hire and access For further information, please www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk to sports facilities here at the contact: The University of Edinburgh Campaign University, as well as special rates Development & Alumni website is a great place to discover on a programme of educational The University of Edinburgh, more about how you can continue to cruises; and much more. The website Charles Stewart House, be a part of the University of Edinburgh also enables you to keep up to date 9–16 Chambers Street community worldwide. You’ll find with the progress of the Campaign, Edinburgh EH1 1HT details of forthcoming class reunions and provides a straightforward and Tel +44 (0) 131 650 2240 and alumni groups and clubs in the secure way for you to make your own Fax +44 (0) 131 650 2239 UK and overseas; information about contribution to the largest fundraising Email [email protected] 26 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

World Service

Professor Catherine Warwick CBE (née Miss Angela Cunliffe LLB 1988 1950s Blackett) BSc (SS) 1973 Honorary Professor On a career break raising children. of Midwifery, Director and General Manager Dr Heather Day (née Douglas) MB ChB Miss Mandy Davidson BCom 1988 of Women and Children’s Services, Kings 1957 Retired from the Cambridge Health Works for PricewaterhouseCoopers but College Hospital, London. Awarded CBE for Alliance (formerly the Cambridge Hospital) is currently on a two-year career break. in Cambridge, MA, USA. Services to Healthcare in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, June 2006. Dr Margaret Grant (née Abel) MB ChB 1958 Semi-retired. Does locum appointments in Dr Shahpur Patell BSc 1974 Home Bursar rural hospitals in Kwazulu Natal. at Jesus College Oxford since July 2006. Mr George M Luke BSc 1959 Dr Carey Singleton Jr BS MA PhD 1974 Came to Scotland for two months’ holiday Poet and writer. in July and August 2006. Ms Zoe C Capernaros MA 1978 Part-time Consulting Medical Herbalist with practice in Haymarket, Edinburgh. 1960s Dr Katharine Cooper PhD 1979 Now growing Mr Ian M Malcolm MA 1960 crops of the varieties she developed on a 500 His book, Dundee Memories, was published hectare farm and finding, to her relief, how by Birlinn in 2005. strong and reliably productive they are. Professor Ian Halliday MA 1961 MSc 1962 Mr Martin Sinclair BSc (Computer Science CEO of SUPA. & Electronics) 1988 Won a Silver medal for 1980s the Men’s 50m Prone Rifle Pairs event at the Professor Dr N S Sidhu PhD 1963 Dr Anne Woodfine née Messer BSc 1980 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Retired Senior Professor and Head of Indian He also managed fourth places in the Mens’ Veterinary Research Institute. Currently working for the United Nations food and agriculture organisation. 50m Prone Rifle Individual event and in the Mr Michael Macmillan LLB 1964 Men’s 50m Three-Position Rifle Pairs. This is Retired and now a Highland Councillor. Mr Richard Watt MA 1984 Has now given up the third Commonwealth Games that Martin his IT career and moved to British Columbia attended; in 2002, he and his wife competed Dr John Alexander MB ChB 1965 (Canada) in search of time and space to do for Scotland in the 50m rifle events. Still based Retired and now raising second family. some writing and be a house spouse! in Edinburgh, working as a software engineer Mr Bruce Mackenzie MA 1966 Retired but Mr Robin P Lim LLB 1985 Dip 1986 and coaching at the University rifle club. still involved with The Langbridge Partnership: Currently on sabbatical in Switzerland. www.langbridgepartnership.com Mrs Olivia Mae Wemyss Brown BSc (N) Dr Katherine Varvill BSc 1985 1989 Sold her nursing home – felt unable Dr Robert Sutherst BSc 1966 Currently living in Houston, Texas, due to function as a care professional in an Retired from his position as a Chief to husband’s work. increasingly pen-pushing society. Research Scientist with CSIRO Australia in March 2006. He is now an Honorary Reader Professor A Coyle CMG PhD 1986 at the University of Queensland, writing up Received the Companion of the Order of 1990s past research on tick ecology, and on St Michael and St George (CMG) in 2003. Mr Kenneth Leslie BEng 1990 Married biological responses to climate change. Mr Ian Brown NGU 1987 to Clare. Two daughters, Hannah (4) and Board Member, One North-East. Mrs Hilda Dick (née Henderson) MA 1969 Suzanne (2). After nine years working for Retired Assistant Director of Education. Mr Joseph Dube LLB 1987 After 13 years in Miller Civil Engineering, is now a project Now working as Educational Consultant for private practice in New Brunswick followed manager for a local contractor in Dundee. West Lothian Council. Member of additional by two years with the New Brunswick Legal Mrs Elizabeth L Yule (née McCance) support needs tribunal for Scotland. Aid Commission, has returned to Ottawa Dip 1991 Part-time commissioned artist. where he is working at the Legal Aid Ontario Criminal Law Office as Defense Counsel. Dr Jane George MA 1993 Research Fellow at 1970s the University of Stirling Department of Sports Mrs Johanna E McDowell (née Stowell) Studies. Tutor at the University of Edinburgh. Dr Christina Trotter PhD 1971 BSc 1987 Housewife, farmer, volunteer at Intends to spend from April to November in riding for disabled, special needs assistant Dr Emily Williams Kelly PhD 1993 France and the rest of the year in Florida. four mornings at playgroup. No financial Co-author of Irreducible Mind – toward remuneration for any of the above! a psychology for the 21st century, published Professor Santiago Ortuzar MSc 1973 in November 2006. Book Idealism and Utopia in Town Planning Dr Alan Riley LLM 1987 PhD 2003 of the 20th Century was launched in Currently writing a book on due process Mr Conrad C Bona LLB 1994 NGU 1995 September 2006 at Mayor University. in competition law for OUP. Married in 2005; expecting first child in August 2006. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 27

For all the latest Alumni news, visit: www.edinburghcampaign.ed.ac.uk

Miss Serenella Flackett MA 1994 Mr Christopher Hoy MBE BSc 1999 Dr hc Miss Jennifer Hanson BSc 2002 Worked in publishing and web media for 2005 Won bronze medal for cycling – men’s Studying Veterinary Science at the 10 years. Now a full-time mother. 1km time trial – at Commonwealth Games University of Liverpool. in Perth, 2006. Mrs Susan Jackson (née Bell) MA (SS) Mr Bryan Thompson BEng 2002 1995 Won silver medal for shooting – Miss Pamela McGregor MChem 1999 Currently in New Zealand. women’s 50m prone pairs rifle – at Recently honoured in the US for excellence Commonwealth Games in Perth, 2006. in educating US students about Scottish Miss Charlotte Woodcock BSc 2002 culture. Studying for an MSc in performance Mrs Susan Miller (née Anema) BSc 1995 psychology at Edinburgh. Stay-at-home mum and part-time business Mr Alan Thompson BEng 1999 consultant for Australian Customs Service. Currently in Finland. Mr Luke Teacy MSc 2003 PhD student at Southampton University. Mrs Lynn M Young MEd 1995 Currently supply teacher of PE and self- Mr William Foote BSc 2004 employed activity coach. Wants to set up 2000s Still at Edinburgh University doing an MEng own physical activity business. Mr Christopher Bisping LLM 2000 Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Married Anona Mitchell in 2006. Mr Ian Wilson BSc 1996 Miss Joanna Halfacre BSc 2004 Studying Has now become a resident of Australia! for BVM&S – due to complete 2009. Mrs Judith Bergmann (née Lang) NGU Miss Pamela Richardson BSc 2004 1997 Daughter Mairi Elisabeth born on 4th Currently a student at the University of Oxford. December 2005. Mr Kevin Emerson MSc 2005 Presented Mr Markus J Koechling LLM 1997 January a paper based on MSc dissertation at a 2006– June 2007: Executive MBA-Program conference in Arizona, US, entitled “The BI Norwegian School of Management, Role of Higher Education in Creating a Oslo/Norway and ESCP-EAP Paris/France. Sustainable World”, October 2006. Miss Caroline Kimber BSc 2005 Mr Kenneth Swan MA 2000 Mr Kenneth Currently doing part time work at Income Swan and his wife Catherine celebrated Tax Office, Guernsey. their Golden Wedding on July 6th 2006. Mr Ryan McGuffie BSc 2005 Played for Gretna (v Hearts) in Scottish Mr Sasha Yarwood BSc 2000 Recently Cup Final (football) in May 2006. moved to Melbourne, Australia. Working Miss Victoria Robinson BSc 2005 as an analyst in the Victorian Government, Still studying Veterinary Medicine and on public transport. Surgery here at the Dick Vet School as Mr John Egbuniwe MSc 2001 BSc was an integrated degree. Currently reading for a PhD in Law at Mr Andreas Tsiamis BEng 2005 BSc 2005 the University of Birmingham. Mrs Kirsty Stewart BSc 1997 On 27 Currently a postgraduate research student May 2006, after almost 11 years together, Miss Hazel Morris BSc 2001 at the University of Edinburgh. Kirsty Sencicle and James Stewart tied Currently a Research Officer for the the knot at St John’s Church, Edinburgh. Mr Robert Harris LLB 2006 Association of Medical Research Tristan Marini and Stuart Stafford, also Living in Calgary. Enjoying outdoor activities Charities. from their Geography degree course, and spending quite a bit of time in the acted as ushers, and Matthew Perris, Miss Helen Turner BSc 2001 mountains. Also enjoys automobile another fellow geographer, was best man. Studying medicine at Bristol University. restoration and travelling. Miss Sylvia Vandenbussche MSc 2001 Miss Anne Johnstone BSc 2006 Started Mrs Elizabeth Croft (née Senior) BSc 1998 Currently job-seeking. Goal: to set up a a PhD at Southampton in September 2006. Raising child, Fred Croft, born 05/10/04. study in the zoo relating to human-animal Title is “Finding links between poverty and Mr Gordon Jones MA 1998 Moved to interactions. remotely-sensed indicators of environmental stress in a development context”. Paisley in 2006 to do a BD at the Scottish Miss Francesca Fereday MA 2002 Baptist College. Living in Bournemouth with boyfriend Miss Kim Karam MA 1998 Recently Matt, working at the Royal Bournemouth honoured in the US for excellence in Hospital. Quite a bizarre change of career, educating US students about Scottish culture. but thoroughly enjoying it. 28

1 2 3 Alumni Profiles

Nicola Ferguson MA 1972, PhD 1975 1

Author of the best-selling gardening manual of the old course by mistake. To be honest, question the world and to be self-critical. Right Plant, Right Place, which has sold I probably wouldn’t have chosen the new It was a very good basis for producing my over 360,000 copies since it was first course at all if I’d known, but as it was, it did books. Producing a PhD thesis gave me the published in 1984. A second edition was me a lot of good. It involved more biology, for confidence to embark on something unfamiliar. produced in 2005. instance, and altogether it broadened my mind The University in general gave me much and considerably. “A research degree really encourages you to I could see it in others around me as well. think for yourself, to question the world…” A research degree teaches you how to acquire It changed my life. I’m sure that, otherwise, and organise information, of course, and it I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do what I started my Psychology degree in 1968, on really encourages you to think for yourself, to I’m doing now. what was a new course. I had been sent details

Ranald MacPherson MA 1993, LLM 1995 2

Ranald Macpherson is a partner at sensible return to Edinburgh and finished my Observer Mace mooting competition. Teams Edinburgh-based law firm Simpson Philosophy degree. Initially I had no intention from all across the UK take part and my partner & Marwick. of becoming a lawyer and didn’t even know and I were the first Scottish team to win it. what I wanted to do. “I suppose I became a lawyer, because I got my diploma in 1995, and my career I’m a failed pop star.” While many of my contemporaries changed progression was pretty straightforward. Straight city, I wanted to stay in Edinburgh and chose I first went to Edinburgh to do a degree in away I got my traineeship at Simpson & the two-year law degree at the University of Philosophy. It was pretty relaxed. I studied as Marwick and became partner there in 2002. Edinburgh. Law appealed to me because I much as I had to, leaving time to enjoy myself, already knew people who were lawyers, and playing in a band. I went to America to study at The University has probably helped my career I was interested in the workings of court. Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, but when because I recognise that being in Edinburgh’s I returned I dropped out of university to pursue Edinburgh’s an excellent place to study Law School is useful for knowing the firms and a musical career. because of its history, and of course the courts in Edinburgh. You are definitely at an School of Law is very good. I was very involved But after a couple of years, when international advantage at Edinburgh as there is a clear in the Mooting Society, and in my second stardom failed to beckon, I decided upon a connection between the School of Law and year took part in a national competition, the the city’s legal community.

Tom Ring MA 1998 3

Recently returned from being a consultant people, running various projects and also Embassy in a constantly-changing to the British Embassy in Baghdad. interpreting for the General in charge of the environment, in particular by coordinating the roles of the static guards and mobile protection “If you’ve studied Arabic or Persian, life’s never UN-mandated International Security Assistance going to be boring.” Force. units as well as overseeing staff training. In 2003 I deployed to Iraq where I used my The Middle East is, and will always be, a Undoubtedly my degree from the University Arabic on a daily basis. Again I was in a liaison fascinating place to be. I grew up in Oman, of Edinburgh really gave me an excellent role, working with the local townspeople and where my dad was a vet, and that encouraged knowledge of Arabic and Persian as well as the headmen of the villages, finding out what me to learn Arabic. a real appreciation of Middle Eastern society the problems were and how the British Army After university I joined the Army and in 2002 I and culture. If you’ve studied Arabic or Persian, might be able to help. went to Afghanistan where I had the opportunity life’s never going to be boring - there are such to use my Persian (or ‘Farsi’). It’s very similar Then, up until a few months ago, I was a huge opportunities. I’m hoping my next project to the Dari language spoken throughout much consultant to the British Embassy in Baghdad. will take me to Yemen or back to Afghanistan of Afghanistan. I was working with the local My role was to help run the security of the conducting international development work. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 29

Billet The General Council of the University of Edinburgh

Report By Alan Johnston, Convener of the Business Committee of the General Council The General Council is the means by which graduates have a continuing voice in the management of the University’s affairs, and every graduate automatically becomes a member. Academic staff and members of the University’s supreme governing body, the University Court, are also members of the General Council, which meets twice a year and has the right to comment on matters affecting the University’s prosperity and wellbeing. For more information on the work of the General Council, visit www.general-council.ed.ac.uk.

It was clear in the discussion in Paris that on request. Your office-bearers take an active continental European members very much representational role in University and City appreciated that the meeting was being held services, and I am glad to report that the there, and this response from members who General Council also provided representatives attended from more than ten countries, at the summer 2006 pre-graduation coupled with similar views in London in receptions and graduation ceremonies. 2004, encourages us in taking forward the policy of holding every fourth Statutory The following Statutory Meeting will take place Meeting of the General Council outside on Saturday 16 June 2007 in the School of Edinburgh, so that more members may have Veterinary Studies at Easter Bush, when there an opportunity to participate directly. The will be an opportunity to see some of the Membership of the General Council now Business Committee is beginning to consider outstanding work being carried on in the stands at more than one hundred and thirty- the location for the June 2008 meeting of the School. Further information about the location, six thousand, and members are to be found General Council, and early indications are and the transport links to Easter Bush, will living and working in practically every part of that a venue in North America is likely to be be made available on the General Council the world. This year has been a special one selected. website, and will be published in the summer in that the General Council took another step 2007 issue of the Billet within Edit. You will towards closer links with its membership by Other social events arranged during the year notice that the next issue of the magazine holding its very first ever meeting overseas, included a reception held in Old College on (Winter 2007) will have a new look after a when the June 2006 Statutory Meeting of the 18 August to coincide with the Edinburgh recent review and additional design work. General Council was held in France in the International Festival. This was linked with an We hope that you will like the new version. Cité Internationale Universitaire in Paris. The opportunity to view the Festival exhibition on splendid location, excellent arrangements and the work of young Nordic painters in the Talbot I record my grateful thanks to Mr Roger the fine June Parisian weather combined to Rice Gallery, Old College, with an introduction Windsor, outgoing Convener of the Public make it a most memorable occasion. We from Pat Fisher, the Principal Curator. Affairs Standing Committee; and to Business are indebted to Professor Timothy O’Shea, Committee members Professor Ron Asher, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, for his As previously announced, the date of the Mr Michael Conway and Mr Graham Rule, outstanding discourse on the progress of the February 2007 Statutory Meeting has been who completed their terms of office in 2006. University, and to the Chancellor’s Assessor, altered to Saturday 3 February in order to Mr Ralph Parkinson, Convener of the The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, for accommodate the celebrations in the Constitutional Standing Committee, was chairing the Meeting, and for giving us an University to mark the Tercentenary of the co-opted for a further year; Mr Fred Lawson eloquent and illuminating history lesson in Chair of Public Law and the Law of Nature (Finance and Services) and Dr Frances Dow his after-Lunch address. We were also most and Nations the following weekend. We are (Academic) continue as Conveners; and Mrs grateful to Mme Pamela Lintingre, President delighted to welcome Sally Magnusson, the Marjorie Appleton has been appointed of the Association des Alumni de l’Université well-known journalist and broadcaster, to Convener of the Public Affairs Standing d’Edimbourg en France, who contributed such address us after Lunch in the Playfair Library Committee in succession to Mr Roger invaluable enthusiasm and support throughout Hall on Saturday 3 February. Windsor. the planning and during the events; to her husband, M. Jean-Claude Lintingre, our Your Business Committee has continued to I am also pleased to welcome to the Business photographer on this occasion; and to be very active, and a total of six meetings were Committee Mr Francis Brewis, Miss Helen colleagues in Development & Alumni for held during the year. The full reports of the Campbell, Mr Finlay Marshall, Dr Michael organising the most enjoyable seminar, four Standing Committees are published in the Mitchell and Mr James Murray, and we hope reception and dinner as associated weekend Annex to the Billet, which is available on the that they will enjoy the work of the Business events. General Council website and in printed format Committee. 30 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Billet

General Council Half-Yearly Meeting on Saturday 3 February 2007 10.30am: Room G175, School of Law, Old College

10am to 10.30am: Coffee, tea and biscuits in the Moot Court Room, School of Law, Old College 10.30am: General Council Meeting in Room G175, School of Law, Old College After the meeting: Lunch in the Playfair Library Hall (see page 36 for details)

AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL COUNCIL MEETING 1 Result of the Election of General Council Assessors and Members of the Business Committee 2 Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held on 17 June 2006 (PAPER A) 3 Matters arising 4 Report of the Business Committee 5 Dates of future meetings of the General Council 6 Notice of forthcoming Elections 7 Presentation by the Principal of the Annual Report of the University 8 Any other competent business 9 Adjournment

PAPER A Minutes of the Meeting of the General Council held on 17 June 2006

1. Minutes of the Meeting of Edinburgh by the Secretary, Dr Ann Matheson, Present: the General Council held on and her assistant Mrs Jean Gibson, supported The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom 11 February 2006 by many other members of Council and staff; Chancellor’s Assessor, in the Chair and in Paris by Mme Lintingre, President of The Minutes of the Meeting on 11 February the University’s Alumni Association in France. Mr Melvyn Cornish 2006 were approved. The Meeting in Paris was particularly notable University Secretary and Registrar as it was the first to be held outside the of the General Council 2. Matters Arising United Kingdom in the history of the General Council, which was established in 1858; Professor Timothy O’Shea and it continued the plan to hold every fourth Principal and Vice-Chancellor The Convener reported that the University currently had 43 female professors in post, statutory meeting in a major centre other than Dr Ann Matheson and that this figure was continuing to Edinburgh, providing an opportunity for Secretary of the General Council increase. groups of distant members to participate more easily from time to time. At the Mr Alan Johnston 3. Report of the Business Committee meeting in Paris the Convener was pleased Convener of the Business Committee to welcome members of the General Council 50 other members Mr Alan Johnston, Convener of the Business living in France, England, the Netherlands, Committee, gave his report and welcomed Belgium, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, The Rev. Di Williams members to the General Council’s first Australia, New Zealand and, of course, Chaplain to the University meeting in Paris. It was the culmination of Scotland. opened the meeting with prayer planning and a great deal of behind-the- scenes work by many people, led in The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 31

The Convener expressed thanks to the Tam Dalyell, for all his hard work and support come before the General Council at its next or Chancellor’s Assessor, The Rt Hon. Lord for the University, for the General Council and first meeting of the new year when in terms of Cameron of Lochbroom, for chairing the in particular the students, at the meeting in the Constitution that would be the appropriate meeting in the absence of the Rector, Edinburgh in February 2006. Dr Tam Dalyell time to allow all to consider its terms in the Mr Mark Ballard MSP, on account of was an outstanding and committed Rector, knowledge that it had been approved by Parliamentary commitments. He noted that he and the Secretary had written to him on behalf General Council at this meeting. had been pleased to represent the General of the General Council with gratitude and best Council at the Rectorial Installation Ceremony wishes. A full record of the discussion is contained in the Playfair Library Hall the previous week, in the Annex to the Billet. in the presence of the Chancellor, HRH The In regard to future events, it was planned to Duke of Edinburgh. The General Council hold a reception for visiting and local 5. Dates of future meetings continued to be represented at major public members and guests in Old College and the of the General Council events, and he expressed his gratitude to his Talbot Rice Gallery during the Edinburgh fellow Officers, the Vice-Convener, Mr Neil International Festival on Friday 18 August at The next Half-Yearly Meeting of the General Hynd, the Secretary, Dr Ann Matheson, the 5pm, for which full details and an application Council would take place in Old College on Court Assessors and Standing Committee form were published in the current issue of Saturday 3 February 2007: any motions for Conveners for sharing these duties, and for Edit. The date of the February 2007 meeting discussion at that meeting should be received their valuable support of the work of the had been changed to Saturday 3 February in the General Council Office by 15 November General Council. 2007, as already notified, in order to avoid 2006. The following meeting of the General a clash with the Tercentenary celebrations of Council would take place in Edinburgh on The Business Committee had met twice since the Law School. Saturday 30 June [subsequently altered to the last statutory meeting in February, and Saturday 16 June] 2007. one further meeting was planned during this The report of the Business Committee was academic year, maintaining the pattern of approved. 6. Notice of forthcoming Elections meeting six times per year. The detailed reports of the Standing Committees were The full text of the Convener’s remarks, and Elections for two General Council Assessors published in the Annex to the Billet, which the record of the discussion that followed the to the University Court and five members of was available on the Web and in printed form presentation, are contained in the Annex the Business Committee would be held in on request. At the most recent meeting of the to the Billet. February 2007: nominations on forms Business Committee, a progress report on the available from the General Council Office University Development Trust had been 4. Motion should be received in the office by 15 received from Mr Robert Fleming, Director of November 2006. Development, during which he had given an The Convener presented the Motion. He update on the forthcoming launch of the explained that the Constitutional 7. Presentation by Professor University of Edinburgh Campaign in October Arrangements made provision for a Regulation Timothy O’Shea, Principal and 2006. The Standing Committees continued to covering the conduct of General Council Vice-Chancellor be very active, with Constitutional Elections, and that the Business Committee investigating the introduction of online on the advice of the Constitutional Standing The Principal said that it was a tremendous elections; Public Affairs and Finance and Committee had agreed to recommend to the pleasure to be in the Maison Internationale Services respectively considering events, the General Council a proposed Regulation of the Cité Universitaire de Paris. upgrading of the General Council website and governing the conduct of General Council support for the Development Office; and Elections for Assessors to the University He proposed to speak about some of the Academic examining a wide range of issues Court and members of the Business University’s historical international activity in regular meetings with small groups of Committee. Mr Ralph Parkinson, Convener of and its international agenda today. He would Heads of Schools, and other specialists, to the Constitutional Standing Committee, begin with links with France and the ‘Auld hear how the General Council might help outlined the proposed Regulation, which was Alliance’. Historically, France and Scotland with identifying common issues, and indeed based on standards recommended by the had a centuries-old special relationship; provide the opportunity for Heads to share Electoral Reform Society. In the debate that and Scottish scholars and teachers were interests and goals. followed a number of detailed points were frequently found in French universities in made. It was agreed to approve the text of the the Middle Ages. Scottish thinkers had made The Convener reported that there had been Regulation so far as it was available, and to a very significant contribution to French an opportunity to thank the retiring Rector, Dr confirm that the full text as approved would philosophy in the 18th and 19th centuries, 32 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

Billet

and it was pleasing to reflect that the University’s international links and its to collaborate with leading universities around University’s most distinguished Principal, historically international character. One of the world. The aim was to attract more William Robertson, had had such an impact the great benefits had been that the University international students; by 2004-05 the total of on French thinking. The University’s first of Edinburgh (unlike Oxford and Cambridge) the University’s student intake had increased Principal came from Fife: Principal Robert had never required its students to subscribe by about 65% compared to 1999-2000. The Ruddock had been recruited from St Andrews, to the Thirty-Nine Articles of the Anglican University had a small but excellent and he set up his teaching on an explicitly Church, and from the outset it had opened its international office, which visited 14 countries Parisian model. Later, the University had doors to a broader cross-section of society a year, mainly across the Asia-Pacific region played a key role in the Franco-Scottish including many from overseas. As the first but also with a lot of engagement with China, Society, and towards the end of the 19th post-Reformation university in Scotland, and the US, Malaysia, India and Canada. The century, Patrick Geddes, together with a with City support, the University of Edinburgh University was a little bit unusual since in number of his academic colleagues, arranged was positioned extremely nicely in terms of most British universities the largest cohort the first meeting of the Franco-Scottish having a more relaxed attitude to welcoming of international students came from China, Society in the Court Room of the University. students of all faiths and also to advances but at Edinburgh it was North America, again The Principal noted that France was by far the such as medical dissection. This was one of reflecting the historical tradition. The most popular country for University student the key reasons why international students University community was wonderfully diverse exchanges at present. The University was also came, and why the reputation of the with students and staff from a huge range of quite popular with French students, and there University’s medical school rose, since different backgrounds from all over the world, were 204 students from France currently anatomy was still a theoretical subject at including members of staff from 77 different studying at Edinburgh. In addition, 44 Oxford and Cambridge in the 17th and part countries, and students from 143 different University staff members were from France as of the 18th century, whereas in Edinburgh, countries. There was also a wide range of well. with its strong connexions to Leiden, it was overseas exchanges to allow students to a deeply empirical subject. spend time abroad, and there were 20 The Principal went on to talk about the context exchange partners in China, Singapore, Hong and the role of international collaboration. Later, the close association of the Scottish Kong, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, The world of higher education research had Enlightenment with the University helped to and also in Europe, through Erasmus. become increasingly globalised, and strengthen its reputation. The University also universities operated in a highly competitive had very strong links to the United States, In the context of Asia, the first Chinese marketplace for both teaching and research. and had in its collections a copy of a letter student to attend the University, and indeed For a leading university to be effective, it had from Thomas Jefferson, signatory and part to graduate from any European university, to engage internationally. The most able author of the US Declaration of Independence was Wong Fun, who graduated as a Doctor students were increasingly moving from place and Constitution, advising a friend about the of Medicine in 1855. The University had a to place to get the best education and the education of his son: ‘Send him to Edinburgh: number of very eminent Asian graduates, and strongest contribution to their future careers. they are better endowed with professors of the would shortly host the first Confucius Institute Business depended increasingly on best sort than any place I know and the in Scotland. It was an aim to develop much international links, and knowledge was the ferment of ideas there will send him back to better links with India and to open an office raw material of successful business. The us a better man, though a more difficult one’. there. There was a tremendous capability in Principal noted that the three alumni This wonderful tradition of intellectual India, and the University had valuable presentations at the business seminar the improvement, with a certain amount of edge, prospects of working there. There were also day before had been outstandingly good. was still a key part of the University. Another very good links with Africa, where educational Throughout Europe there was a move to major international link for the University was connexions dated back to 19th-century a knowledge-based economy in which with Poland. Following the invasion of Poland missionaries who trained at New College. innovation was the main engine of growth, in the Second World War, the University The University’s first black African graduate, and that was reflected by the emergence of housed the Polish Medical School as a refuge James Horton of Sierra Leone, graduated with the league of European research universities for doctors from occupied Poland, and, today, a medical degree in the middle of the 19th of which the University of Edinburgh was a the Polish School Medical Memorial Fund century, and, today, the University had a very member. In addition, Scotland was one of enabled able young Polish doctors to spend powerful Centre for African Studies. There three small countries in the world (the other a term at Edinburgh. was also the Centre for Tropical Veterinary two were Switzerland and Singapore) that Medicine, which collaborated with a whole had a university in the world top 50. The University also wished to compete at an range of international agencies particularly in international level to attract the very best the Gambia and Zimbabwe. The Principal also The Principal referred to the history of the international staff, and the best opportunities drew attention to Norwegian students who The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 33

came to study at the School of Veterinary The Rev. Di Williams closed the meeting with Constitutional Standing Committee, Studies, the nearest one to Norway. There a benediction. Curriculum Committee, and Quatercentenary were very strong links with North America, Committee, as a Member of Staff teaching where one of the key links was with Stanford The Annex to the Billet contains supporting Scots Law and International Law, as University. In the same way as Cambridge papers for the Agenda, including Researcher with Scotland’s Cultural Heritage, had a close partnership with MIT because communications from the University Court, and as Treasurer of our University and College of very similar research agendas, there were full Standing Committee reports, a transcript Union. Will you give me your vote? Either three major centres of Artificial Intelligence of the presentation, and the Business way, please consider giving your generous research in the world apart from Edinburgh, Committee’s report to the meeting on 17 June support to our current University of Edinburgh and they were MIT, Stanford and Carnegie 2006. General Council members may either Campaign. Mellon. Stanford was the one to which the collect the Annex from half-an-hour before the University of Edinburgh was closest. Links Council meeting, or request it by post from: Mr Douglas Andrew Connell with Australia were also good, and there LLB 1974 would shortly be support for joint research Mrs Jean Gibson, work between the University of Melbourne and General Council Office, Proposed by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, BArch the University of Edinburgh. In terms of the Charles Stewart House, 1969 Middle East, the University had the absolute 9-16 Chambers Street, Seconded by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, top rating for research in Islamic and Middle Edinburgh EH1 1HT. MBA 1989 Eastern Studies, and as part of a consortium with Manchester and Durham, an initial £5 Tel. 0131 650 2152 Having greatly benefited from not only my million had been secured to create a British Email: [email protected] University education but also from acting after Centre for the Advanced Study of the Arab graduation as a part-time tutor in Scots Law, World, which would be based in the I would very much value the opportunity some University of Edinburgh. 30 years on to give something back to the Postal Election University. I hope to bring to the service of In conclusion, the Principal stressed that the Candidates for Postal Election of the University the experience I have gained University was international in its students, General Council Assessors and through serving in a voluntary capacity on a in its staff and in its research. It was Members of the Business Committee broad range of boards and governing bodies international in its origins, and it was very including the Scottish Arts Council, the international in its character today. The following nominations have been received Edinburgh Book Festival, the Edinburgh for the election of two General Council International Festival, the Unemployed A full text of the Principal’s remarks, and Assessors and five members of the Business Voluntary Action Fund and the Court of the the record of the discussion that followed Committee to serve until 31 July 2011. University of St Andrews. the presentation, are contained in the Annex to the Billet. CANDIDATES FOR POSTAL ELECTION OF Mr Ralph Valentine Parkinson TWO GENERAL COUNCIL ASSESSORS MA (Hons) 1964 8. Any other competent business Mr George Lawrence Allen Proposed by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, No matters were raised. MA, LLM, BL 1961, BSc, MSc, DipLP, CertRP, MBA 1989 FLS, FRMS, FRSM, FRIPH, FRSA, NP Seconded by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, BArch 9. Adjournment 1969 Proposed by Professor Francis McManus, The Motion by the Convener of the Business MLitt, LLB (Hons) 1984, FRIPH, MREHIS Member of the Business Committee 2002-06, Committee that, for the purpose of Seconded by Mrs Caroline Ruth McManus, and also Convener of its Constitutional considering matters which may be transmitted BSc (Nursing Studies) 1982, RGN, DN, SCM Standing Committee. In a career in university to the General Council by the University Court administration I gained considerable first-hand or any other business of a competent nature, As Assessor, I would continue steadfastly to experience of policy formulation, decision- the Business Committee be empowered to champion the interests of my fellow Members making at a senior level and of the legal, fiscal act on behalf of the Council, and that this of the General Council of our University and regulatory framework within which meeting be adjourned to a date to be fixed without fear or favour, just as I have had the universities now operate, invaluable tools to by the Business Committee, was approved. privilege of doing over many years serving as any Assessor to the Court. I am very familiar a Member of the Business Committee, with the structures within the University and of 34 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

the important role that ‘lay’ members and Mr Lorimer David Maurice Mackenzie Dr Frank Ian Stewart students should play in governance. In this MA 1964 MB ChB 1965 exciting period of development of the University and its infrastructure, I would love Proposed by Lady Anne Burtholme Proposed by Professor Jonathan Usher, to play an active part. Mackenzie-Stuart, BL 1951 School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures Seconded by Mr Iain G Mitchell, LLB (Hons) Seconded by Mr Guy Edward Michael Puzey, Professor Ann McIntyre Smyth 1973 MA (Hons) 2006 BSc 1970, PhD 1974, MPhil 1975 Our University’s reputation in a globalised I worked as a family doctor for 30 years, Proposed by Mrs Patricia Janet Spark, world continues at traditional high levels. and took part in undergraduate and MA 1963 Our standing in today’s world owes much to postgraduate medical teaching. After retiring, Seconded by Dr Fiona Skinner, MB ChB 1971 our centuries-old relationships with Europe. I returned to Edinburgh University as a full- After 28 years working at senior level in time undergraduate student of modern Having graduated from three of its former Europe I believe I can help the University European languages, due to graduate in 2007. faculties I have much to thank the University reinvigorate and broaden these relationships. I offer a useful combination of relevant for in my own education. My professional and experience. research career in clinical psychology, Mr Ralph Valentine Parkinson together with my current role in MA (Hons) 1964 Mrs Hilary Ann Vandore commissioning education for Scotland’s MA 1968 largest employer (NHS Scotland) have given Proposed by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, me insight into the political, economic and MBA 1989 Proposed by Mrs Marjorie Duncan Appleton, academic challenges facing universities in Seconded by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, BArch BArch (Hons) 1969 this country. I am keen to support the 1969 Seconded by Mr Waverley Duncan Cameron, continuation of Edinburgh’s tradition of BSc 1966, SM (MIT) excellence in its proposed developments Member of the Business Committee 2002-06, and future plans. I should be proud to serve and also Convener of its Constitutional After graduation, I worked in general the Court in its governance of the University Standing Committee. Following a career management, specialising in management in the face of such significant contemporary in university administration I was able to use accountancy for seven years. Returning to challenges. my expertise in these committees. I would university to do an MBA with my dissertation like to be elected to serve a further period in in finance, I then worked for 20 years as an CANDIDATES FOR POSTAL ELECTION order to be of even greater service. investment manager running the Far East and OF FIVE MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS US portfolios, analysing companies for COMMITTEE Dr Alan David Simpson investment. BSc 1988, PhD 1992 Mr Gordon Douglas Cairns Mr John Douglas Ballantyne Wood LLB (Hons) 1979 Proposed by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, LLB 1968 MBA 1989 Proposed by Mr Alan McDougall Johnston, Seconded by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, BArch Proposed by Mr Robert John Elliot, LLB 1969 MBA 1989. 1969 Seconded by Dr Alan David Gillespie Brown, Seconded by Mr Neil Robertson Hynd, BArch MB ChB 1963 1969 My current University role includes leadership of both strategic projects promoting world- After reading law I pursued a career in Senior partner for 15 years. Part-time leading computational research and merchant banking and investment Chairman of Tribunal Service, and senior tutor successful knowledge transfer initiatives management in London and Scotland. in conveyancing diploma at University, benefiting the Scottish and European I gained a wide understanding of finance, combine to provide legal, financial and economies. I am convinced that this business and commerce and the relevance personal skills in many areas of business and combination of academic and industrial of education to their development. With my learning. Enthusiasm, endeavour and sense of experience would enable me to contribute business commitments now reduced I now perspective complement appreciation of this effectively to the Business Committee. have time to devote to the General Council. important and historic University role. Voting Papers are enclosed and should be completed and returned in the enclosed addressed envelope to the Secretary of the General Council. Details of all candidates appear on pages 33 and 34. The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 35

Half-Yearly Meeting in Paris on Saturday 17 June 2006

Members of the General Council outside the Maison Internationale, Paris. Photograph by courtesy of Jean-Claude Lintingre

The General Council held its June 2006 Half- was held in the Salon Honnorat, at which Yearly Meeting in Paris on Saturday 17 June The Rt Hon Lord Cameron of Lochbroom 2006. This historic Meeting, the first outside gave an outstanding after-Lunch address. the UK since 1858 when the General The Association des Alumni de l’Université Councils were founded, took place in the d’Edimbourg en France organised a guided prestigious Maison Internationale of the Cité tour of the Cité Internationale Universitaire Internationale Universitaire de Paris. The and its distinguished architectural buildings Meeting was chaired by the Chancellor’s after lunch. Assessor, The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, and the Principal and Vice- A number of associated events over the Photograph by courtesy of Jean-Claude Lintingre Chancellor of the University, Professor course of the weekend were organised by Timothy O’Shea, gave an inspiring address Development & Alumni for alumni and guests Before the General Council Lunch in Paris on on the progress of the University. The General to enjoy. On Friday 16 June there was a 17 June 2006, left to right: Mr Alan Johnston Council Mace was transported from networking seminar, ‘Let’s Talk Business’, (Convener of the Business Committee), Professor Edinburgh to Paris, and Mme Pamela chaired by journalist Allan Little, in the British Timothy O’Shea (Principal and Vice-Chancellor), The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom Lintingre, President of the Association des Embassy, Paris, followed by a Drinks (Chancellor’s Assessor), who gave the after-Lunch Alumni de l’Université d’Edimbourg en Reception. On Saturday evening, the Principal address, Dr Ann Matheson (Secretary of the France, acted as Mace-Bearer. The General hosted a Reception and Dinner for alumni and General Council), Mr Melvyn Cornish (University Council was delighted to welcome to the guests in the wonderful setting of Les Salons Secretary and Registrar of the General Council), Meeting members living in France, the Pourpre et Napoléon in Le Sénat in the Palais and the Rev. Di Williams (University Chaplain). Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Spain, du Luxembourg, when the after-Dinner Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and the speaker was broadcaster and writer, UK. After the Meeting, a reception and lunch Dr Sheena McDonald. 36 The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine

The February 2007 General Council Lunch Officers Chairman: His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT Following the Half-Yearly Meeting, members Secretary: Ann Matheson, OBE, MA, Dip. Scottish Studies, MLitt, PhD, Hon DLitt 2009 of the General Council, other alumni, Registrar: Melvyn D Cornish, BSc, PGCE, University Secretary ex-officio partners, family and friends are cordially invited to the General Council Lunch on General Council Assessors on the University Court: Saturday 3 February 2007 in the Playfair A Margaret Tait, BSc 2009 Library Hall, Old College. Robin O Blair, LLB, MA 2007 Gavin W T Scott, BCom, CA, MBA 2007 Ms Sally Magnusson, journalist and broadcaster, will give the after-Lunch address. Business Committee: Convener: Alan M Johnston, MBA, CSci, CChem, FRSC, CBiol, FIBiol 2008 Vice-Convener: Neil R Hynd, LVO, BArch 2008

A Convener of Academic Standing Committee: Frances D Dow, MA, DPhil 2008 F Convener of Standing Committee on Finance and Services: Charles F Y Lawson, BSc, CA, FSI (co-opted) 2008 P Convener of Public Affairs Standing Committee: Marjorie D Appleton, BArch (Hons), RIBA, FRIAS 2009 C Convener of Constitutional Standing Committee: Ralph V Parkinson, MA Geography (Hons) (co-opted) 2007

Members ‘A’ denotes a member of the Academic Standing Committee, ‘C’ a member of the Constitutional Standing Committee, ‘F’ a member of the Standing Committee on Finance and Services, and ‘P’ a member of the Public Affairs Standing Committee:

Chancellor’s Assessor: The Rt Hon. Lord Cameron of Lochbroom, MA, LLB, QC, FRSE, FRIAS ex-officio Sally Magnusson C George L Allen, BSc, MSc, MA, LLM, BL, DipLP, FLS, FRSM, If you would like to attend the next General FRMS, FRIPH, FRSA, NP 2007 F William R B Bowie, BSc, CEng, MICE, FIHT 2007 Council Lunch, please complete and return C Gavin Douglas, RD, QC, MA, LLB 2007 the form on the rear inner cover no later than F Anne Paterson, BSc (Social Science), Diploma in Social Study 2007 Monday 29 January 2007. C Patricia J Spark, MA 2008 P Diana C F Webster, MA, Dip Lib, MCLIP 2008 Tickets at £16.00 include pre-Lunch wine A Ian Wotherspoon, MA, MBA, PhD, FSA (Scot), MCMI 2008 reception and a three-course meal in the P Alan D G Brown, MB ChB, FRCOG, FRCS Ed 2009 Playfair Library Hall. Table wines will be F J Ewan Jeffrey, BSc, CA 2009 available for purchase at the meal. Tickets C Ann M Sutherland, MA, FBCartS 2009 can be obtained from: A Charles P Swainson, MB ChB, FRCPE, FFPHM 2009 P Mr Francis R M Brewis, MA 2010 The General Council Office A Miss Helen M Campbell, MA, BA, MNCHM, RSHom 2010 The University of Edinburgh F Mr T Finlay Marshall, MA, FFA 2010 Charles Stewart House P Dr Michael J Mitchell, BSc, PhD 2010 9-16 Chambers Street A Mr James Murray, BSc, MS CEng, MIEE, MIHT 2010 Edinburgh EH1 1HT

Assistant to the Secretary: Jean Gibson The University of Edinburgh Edit Magazine 37

The February 2007 General Council Lunch

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