Iona Fyfe running for rector role at University of Aberdeen

Born in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, the musician has been nominated as one of two candidates for the role of rector at the historic educational institution which was founded in 1495.

If elected, it is understood that Fyfe, who is 26 years old, would become one of the youngest rectors in the history of the university.

Notable previous rectors at Aberdeen University include Winston Churchill, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and television presenter Clarissa Dickson Wright.

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The person who holds the position acts as a senior official who presides over meetings of the institute's governing body and represents the school at ceremonial events.

The current rector at the University of Aberdeen is Martina Chukwuma-Ezike, who is CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, and is the first black woman to hold the position.

In 2021 Fyfe changed the language policy at the music streaming platform Spotify when she successfully lobbied the company to add the Scots dialect to its service.

She was also awarded the Scots Singer of the Year at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards in 2023 and has been at the forefront of campaigning for a Scottish Languages Act.

Iona Fyfe (image: Euan Anderson)

“I was the first in my family to study at Conservatoire, and I understand from my own experience the value of a supportive environment for students,” Fyfe said.

“I am so honoured to have the opportunity to represent students’ interests within the governing body of the University of Aberdeen, and to be elected would be an enormous privilege and responsibility.”

Fyfe is also a committee member of the Musicians Union, and her work in raising awareness of sexual harassment in the music industry was recognised by the Scottish Trades Union Congress, when she was awarded the STUC Equality Award in 2022.

Camilo Torres Barragán, founder of Borderless a campaign to fight for international students’ equal and fair access to higher education in the UK, is also in the running for the position.

Barragán, who is the former vice president for Communities at the Students’ Union at the University of Aberdeen, wrote in a statement that change at the university can be fulfilling for students. 

He said: “My experience representing students in the role and my commitment to fight for equality and inclusion at all levels are the main qualities I want to highlight in this manifesto.

“Being an alumnus gives me perspective on things that can change at the university not only to improve the students’ experience right now but also their chances of a fulfilling life after graduation.”

The rector of the University of Aberdeen is elected by the registered students at the university and voting will take place between 9am on November 19 and 5pm on November 21.