Veteran MP Tam Dalyell, who seemed set to be returned unopposed as rector of Edinburgh University, now faces four rivals.
Mr Dalyell was the only candidate three hours before nominations closed, but he now faces competition from Jenny Colgan, the author of Amanda's Wedding ; Gavin Easton, a financial-sector business analyst; David Floyd, co-founder of Edinburgh's satirical student magazine Piffle; and Kenneth Glove, an accountant and landlord.
The rectorial election will be held on March 7.