Tributes flow for principal of ‘immense integrity’

Tributes have been paid to former Glasgow University principal and chancellor Sir William Kerr Fraser who has died at the age of 89.

The university’s existing principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, described him as “a remarkable man”.

Sir William obtained an arts and a law degree from Glasgow University before serving in the RAF and then joining the civil service.

He was principal from 1988 to 1995 and served as chancellor from 1996 to 2006.

Prof Muscatelli said: “In becoming principal, he had to steer the university through a period of challenge and change, which included reductions in government funding and calls for universities to show greater accountability for their teaching and research.

“Under Sir William, Glasgow more than rose to meet the challenges of this new era.”

Sir William, who died on Wednesday, was also permanent under-secretary of state in the Scotland Office – Scotland’s most senior civil servant – from 1978 to 1988.

Profmuscatellidescribed him as a “man of immense integrity” and a “sense of duty”. A memorial service will be held in the University Chapel at 11am on 24 November.