First Woman Rector, 1988

In 1988, Muriel Gray (1959- ) became the first, and so far only, woman to be elected Rector of Edinburgh University.

A novelist, broadcaster, and journalist, Muriel Gray was best-known to students in 1988 as the presenter of Channel 4's pop music show The Tube (1982-1987) and its arts review The Media Show (1987-1989). Her passionate and combative approach to broadcasting was a major factor in persuading students that she would be a powerful advocate on their behalf. Gray defeated three rival candidates:

• Richard Demarco (1930- ) - artist and promoter of the visual and performing arts, conducting his third rectorial campaign

rectorial address: sexism, egalitarian education, English bias

conduct a surgery dealing with staff and student problems appeared at open days held for school leavers worked hard to promote importance of university education