Ice cream man installed as rector at University of Aberdeen

Ice cream tycoon Maitland Mackie has taken over as rector of the University of Aberdeen. Mr Mackie, chairman of Aberdeen-based Mackie's of Scotland ice cream business officially began his three-year tenure on Friday with a ceremony down the city's High Street.



Tradition dictates that the new rector must ride down the street on top of a bull, carried at shoulder height by university students.



The rector, an ancient post dating back to 1495, is the students' representative and sits on the University Court.


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Mr Mackie said: "It is an honour to be representing students of the University of Aberdeen. This brings back memories of my own student days at the university 55 years ago - a wonderful experience which has never left me."