A Tayside football pundit is being installed as the new rector of Dundee University.
Courier columnist and podcaster Jim Spence will officially take on the role at the Caird Hall on Monday morning at a ceremony welcoming some 3,000 students to the city for the new academic year.
Students of around 150 nationalities have arrived in Dundee for their studies at the campus.
Mr Spence, who graduated from the university in 1986, takes on the role of rector from Perthshire cyclist Mark Beaumont.
The broadcaster said: “I am delighted to be back and still surprised to have the honour of being the rector of the university.”
Courier columnist Jim Spence elected new rector of Dundee University
After the ceremony Mr Spence will be taken on a traditional “drag” of the city’s best pubs.
Dundee University’s principal and vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Atherton said: “This is one of the real highlights of the academic calendar for me. Every year the University is refreshed and strengthened by the arrival of a new generation of students, and it is great to see so many arriving in the city from around the world.
“It is not just the university but the whole city which is transformed by the return of our student population. The city also plays its role in making this one of the best places to be a student, something which I am sure our new arrivals will find in their time here.
“I am also delighted to welcome Jim Spence in to our university community. I am sure Jim will represent the students’ interests and take a great interest in their activities and achievements.”
President of the Dundee University Students’ Association Josh Connor said: “This is a really special day for us all here at the university as we welcome our new students. They have come to Dundee at a really exciting time for the city and the University.
“I’m also delighted to be able to welcome born and bred Dundonian, Jim Spence, as our new rector.
“The energy he has already shown towards his new role has been astonishing and I’m really looking forward to working with him to enhance the overall student experience.”
