(Photograph) - DOUGLAS WEIR, outgoing dean of the education faculty at Strathclyde University, performed one of the last functions of his term of office in colourful and extroverted fashion on the university’s Jordanhill campus last week.
Resplendent in a borrowed kilt of unknown tartan, he showed that his years as an amateur thespian had not been wasted as he expertly compered the games which concluded the first week of one of the university’s summer academies for pupils from schools in the west of Scotland.
Professor Weir’s informal regalia competed with the “Jimmy” wigs and hats, Scotland football jerseys and tartan pyjamas worn by some of the 200 pupils taking part. He supervised the tug-of-war, directed competitors to events and took a turn behind the goals at the penalty kick competition, retrieving the ball with the skill befitting a man whose grandfather once played left half for Stenhousemuir.
Professor Weir was beaten in the contest for dean by Iain Smith, director of overseas projects at Jordanhill and a former vice-dean, who took over on Wednesday.
* Next week: summer schools special feature.
Photograph by TOM FINNIE
