INTERVIEW: St Andrews University's first black female Rector's installation today

The first black female Rector of St Andrews University has been installed today, despite being around a year-and-a-half into her three-year term.

Dr Leyla Hussein OBE, a psychotherapist, worldwide leader on gender rights and campaigner, has been participating in a ceremony in the town after she was elected in November 2020.

It comes after the easing of nearly all of Scotland's coronavirus restrictions, more than two years after the Covid-19 pandemic started.

She has taken part in the traditional "Rector's Drag" (see our video above) ahead of her formal installation as the 54th Rector of the university, with Dr Hussein being transported in an e-bike Triobike trishaw, a form of transport only officially introduced to the UK in 2018 by pioneering charity Cycling Without Age Scotland.

Stella Maris, the Rector’s Assessor, says Dr Hussein's future vision of St Andrews has "brought energy and empowerment".

Adrian McDowell, the charity's Chair of the Board of Trustees, says it's delighted to have played a role in the "long-standing tradition".

Lottie Doherty, University of St Andrews’ Students’ Association President, says while the timing of the installation is "unusual", it has given an opportunity to celebrate Dr Hussein's election and welcome her to the town.

Students have been electing the university's rector since 1858.

In addition to being President of the University Court, the highest governing body of the university, the Rector plays an informal, pastoral role for students.

The ceremony for the installation of the Rector took place this afternoon.

Anas Hassan, our Kingdom FM reporter, sat down with Dr Hussein for an interview yesterday to talk about her time as Rector so far:

Pictures: St Andrews University