The new rector of St Andrews University went back to her academic roots as she joined students for the ancient pier walk tradition at the harbour.
Catherine Stihler MEP, who was joined by her family for the special occasion, met students in St Salvator’s Quad at noon on Sunday before walking down to the harbour wearing their red gowns.
The reason for the custom is lost in the mists of time but for Mrs Stihler, 41, it was a poignant return to the university where she gained an MA with joint honours in international relations and geography and a postgraduate MLitt in international security studies.
While at St Andrews she was elected president of the Students’ Association, serving from 1994 to 1995, and met her husband David.
The mother of two boys said: “Twenty years ago, I served the University of St Andrews student community as association president.
“It is an honour and privilege to serve the student community again as rector.
“I loved being at St Andrews it’s a completely unique experience and I was privileged to come here when I was 18.
“Then and now St Andrews faces many challenges which we can only solve together, from the accommodation shortage to improving alumni relations.
“Accessibility to the St Andrews experience is important as is preserving traditions such as Raisin Weekend.
“I will be in St Andrews full time through to Saturday November 8.
“I want to get round to talk to as many people as possible, to listen to concerns and to share my ideas.
“I want to start as I mean to continue as an open and accessible rector.
“I look forward to working with the student community to make St Andrews the place we all want it to be.”
Mrs Stihler said one item on her agenda will be gauging the opinion of students after the backlash last week when it emerged that she was the only nominated candidate for the rectorship.