Dundee University's staff news-letter Contact normally includes a column from the principal, Ian Graham-Bryce. But when the latest issue was being produced, the principal was in Antarctica convening the Natural Environ-mental Research Council's polar science and technology board, leaving the space clear for vice principal David Swinfen.
Professor Swinfen's column begins: "6am: wake with excitement. Remember waving goodbye to principal last night, in yellow wellies and orange survival suit (the principal that is). Lie in bed formulating plans for revolution.
8am: Exec meeting. Try out principal's chair for size (too small - memo to chairman of equipment committee). Instruct finance officer to order second university car (Jaguar) for exclusive use of vice principal.''