There was an unexpected addition to Glasgow University's honorary graduates last week: Frederick Barclay, one of the ultra-reclusive Barclay twins, the millionaire owners of a wide range of businesses, including the Ritz in London and The Scotsman.
The twins have donated some Pounds 25 million of their wealth to more than 300 charities, including Glasgow research into post-viral fatigue syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Glasgow has been waiting for the Barclay brothers for four years, and had only a few days' notice that Frederick would attend, David being absent because of ill health. The press ranks were swelled by not one, not two, but three journalists from The Scotsman, allegedly there to catch a first, and possibly last, glimpse of their proprietor.