Singer Iona Fyfe installed as University of Aberdeen rector

Iona Fyfe was carried on a bull mascot as part of the traditional event in Aberdeen

Scots traditional singer Iona Fyfe has been officially installed as the new rector of the University of Aberdeen.

After the official ceremony, she was carried across campus on the back of a bull mascot by students.

"I was excited, yet a little feart, of riding the bull," she said. "I was mainly hoping that I could mount it with grace. Maybe I'm the first rector to have done so in heels."

From Huntly in Aberdeenshire, she was named Scots singer of the year in 2018.

She began her three-year role on 1 January, when previous rector Martina Chukwuma–Ezike's term ended.

She won the role in a student vote last year ahead of the other candidate Dr Camilo Torres Barragán.

"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 said.

"The students are extremely engaged with social justice and activism, and I feel so privileged to have been welcomed into the community."

She described the role as an "honour".