by Fred Byrne and Amelia Boag McGlynn.
Iona Fyfe has been installed as rector in a traditional ceremony seeing hundreds of observers and a traditional ride on a ‘bull’.
The folk singer-songwriter ran for the position after campaigning for language teaching at the University, and will be rector for the next 3 years. She is carrying on the position from Martina Chukwuma-Ezike after closely winning her election against Dr Camilo Torres Barragán.
The University Rector is elected by students, presiding over University Court and acting as the students’ most powerful representative. The role is in third position of precedence after the Chancellor, Queen Camilla, and the Principal.
The installation ceremony kicked off the academic year 2025/2026, which will see Principal George Boyne leave the University in December. Following his retirement announcement, the University has twice failed to find a new Principal to replace him, leaving senior management scrambling to find an interim replacement from within the University’s ranks.
The traditional installation of Rector was held on the 16th of September in the heart of University of Aberdeen’s ancient campus. Held inside the historic King’s College Chapel, the ceremony was live streamed for those who could not attend in person. This event concluded with a traditional student-led parade of the Rector, and the campus bull ride on a plush bull.
During her next three years as Rector, which officially began on the 1st of January, Iona Fyfe hopes to influence change in important matters for students including housing reform, student safety, access to mental health services, and promotion of activities involving sports and the arts.
Speaking about her experience of the traditional ‘bull ride’ around campus she said:
“I was excited, yet a little fearful of riding the bull. I was mainly hoping that I could mount it with grace! Maybe I’m the first Rector to have done so in heels!”
The Scottish musician reflected on her time as Rector so far:
“During the election, I was aware of the responsibilities linked with the role of Rector, but wasn’t fully prepared for just how challenging, albeit enjoyable, the last nine months would be.”
She added:
“We’re living through unprecedented times right now, with heightened tensions and conflicts all over the world. Our society is more polarised than ever, and Universities are often a microcosm of the world. This is reflected in the wide range of issues that students have brought up with me including Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and the rise of the far right in our communities. It’s certainly not just an ambassadorial role. The students are extremely engaged with social justice and activism, and I feel so privileged to have been welcomed into the community.“
Hannah Cowie, Vice President for Activities, attended the rector installation ceremony. She spoke to The Gaudie about her thoughts on the day:
“Having another iteration of such a historic and iconic tradition take place on campus during our Welcome Week activities is so special, as we welcome not only our new students, but also Iona officially as our new Rector. I’m excited to see Iona bring her thoughtful and kind nature to the role, and help advocate for our students.”
Second year student Rowan partook in the ceremony helping to carry Iona around on a plushie bull per tradition. She shared:
“The whole day was a lot of fun! Everyone there seemed to be really excited to be doing something like this, even if it is a bit of an odd tradition. We cracked lots of jokes about getting to carry someone on a bull for the day. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience.”
Iona Fyfe recently spoke on our podcast Gettin’ Rowdy with The Gaudie when visiting Aberdeen to attend summer graduations which she described as “really traditional,” adding “I love the Latin”.
While the artist developed at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Edinburgh, Iona Fyfe’s connections to Aberdeen University run deep. She recalled visiting the institution as a teenager to access the rare Greig-Duncan Folk Song Collection as part of her musical pursuits, adding “I would walk around and go to Kilau Coffee when I was like 16 or 17 years old”.
The 27-year old from Huntly, Aberdeenshire discussed getting involved with Aberdeen University by campaigning for the continued provision of language degrees amid targeted funding cuts.
“[When cuts to language degrees were announced] I was thinking, oh my goodness, this is dreadful. It is in line with the work that I do to preserve Scots language and to promote it as part of my singing. So I’ve always been interested in languages of all sorts and the fact that the ability to study language in Aberdeen was under threat – I thought that’s mental.”
Since then, the University have acknowledged missteps in cutting courses, with many responsible senior managers departing the institution.
Asked how she manages responsibilities to students along with touring as a prolific career folk musician, Iona Fyfe answered:
“I have about 600 odd emails just now. My main priority is that if a student is emailing me and they have an issue where I think I can signpost or help immediately, I try to get back to them. I got a 2 A.M. email and we figured out that I am a night owl just like that student. I do get a wee bit bogged down with some of the bureaucracy sometimes.”
Iona Fyfe, a proud Taylor Swift fan, often shares her views online, posting provocative memes on X and frequently contributing opinion pieces to The National. On social media she is often targeted with hateful messages or impersonation accounts. Iona Fyfe reflected:
“It’s descended to people talking about my weight or what I look like instead of actually trying to debate ideas. People have DM’ed me calling me a race traitor. I do ignore some of the messages I receive. But when people are just being misogynistic, I’ll retweet it and call it out.”
She advised that students deal with online abuse “try and keep tabs on it, keep screenshots, keep the URL, and build a case,” adding “I would love to see some legislation in the not too distant future” for a ban on anonymous social media accounts, saying “let’s have your profile linked to an ID.”
On the podcast, Iona Fyfe encouraged students to reach out to her with issues or ideas, addressing students “I would ask that you get involved. Feel free to email me on rector@abdn.ac.uk at any time”
The full podcast episode with Iona Fyfe is on Gettin’ Rowdy with The Gaudie, available on podcast platforms.
