Catherine Stihler MEP has been elected unopposed as the new rector of St Andrews University.
The St Andrews graduate and former student president follows in the footsteps of Peter Pan author J M Barrie, Rudyard Kipling and comedian John Cleese.
Ms Stihler has been a member of the European Parliament since 1999 and is currently Scotland’s only female MEP.
She was the only candidate to be nominated by 5pm on Wednesday and is therefore confirmed as the University’s 52nd rector and only the second female to hold the position.
The MEP replaces outgoing rector Alistair Moffat.
She will be officially installed as rector after the traditional student “drag” next year, when students take the new rector on a six-hour tour of student halls and local hostelries.
Ms Stihler said she wanted to make the university more accessible and protect its traditions such as Raisin Weekend.
“As rector, I want to make St Andrews accessible to everyone by lobbying for an increase in accommodation and alleviating the HMO ban,” she said.
“I will organise a series of inspirational talks and utilise our alumni network to give our graduates the career opportunities they deserve.
“I will fight to protect St Andrews’ traditions, working alongside the Community Council and University to ensure the survival of Raisin Weekend.”