Last minute maintenance on the nineteenth century carriage in which Dundee University students traditionally drag their new rector through the city is unlikely to affect plans for the installation of broadcaster and comedian Fred MacAulay this Thursday (3 May).
A squad of University handymen have pulled out the stops to carry out repairs on the Victorian coach wheels and generally spruce up the carriage ensuring roadworthiness for its three yearly outing.
The tradition of the rectorial carriage drag began in 1968 when first rector Peter Ustinov was drawn over the Tay Bridge. That part of the "drag" has been curbed owing to the increase in traffic but the city centre trawl is still a colourful, if infrequent, part of Dundee life. It is usually followed by a band of enthusiastic students from one refreshment stop to the next en route to the installation.
The rector will be drawn by a dozen scarlet gowned students - mostly rugby players - from the City Square at 2pm and will follow a route through the Nethergate, up South Tay Street and Old Hawkhill before turning down Park Place to arrive at the Bonar Hall at 3.30. Stops are planned at "no more than three" watering holes before the Rector gives his inaugural speech at the Bonar Hall at 4pm before an audience of students, invited guests and members of the public.
Fred MacAulay: "One of my golden rules is not to drink before speaking in public - golden with a few tarnished marks. I'm perfectly capable of slurring my words and talking nonsense without any alcohol, thank you very much."