Student-elected rectors of Scotland's four ancient universities

* The student-elected rectors of Scotland's four ancient universities are to urge Scottish education minister Brian Wilson to reject proposals stripping them of their automatic right to chair the university court.

The student presidents of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews universities have attacked the proposals in Dearing's Scottish committee report as damaging to student interests while not creating any discernible benefits to the universities.

The Garrick report concluded that the rector was a valuable asset to court as a spokesperson for students, but said the court convener should more properly be elected by all court members.