THE historic post of rector at Scotland's ancient universities will not be swept away under legislation to reform the sector, ministers have pledged.

Angela Constance, the Education Secretary, said new laws would extend the principle that elected representatives should be at the heart of higher education.

Ms Constance made the statement in an open letter after nine former rectors of Edinburgh University - including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown - criticised the controversial proposals to reform the way Scottish universities are run.

Ms Constance said: "I want to reassure the former rectors of Edinburgh University who are concerned about the future role for rectors under our Higher Education Governance Bill.

"This government has no intention at all of abolishing the position of rector. I agree with them that rectors have played an important role, raising the profile of the sector, representing students, and in Edinburgh’s case, staff also.

"Just as the position of rector was introduced to bring democracy and transparency to the governance of universities, we want to extend those principles to all our higher education institutions."

Ms Constance said the Scottish Government would not be involved in the appointment of an individual elected chair in any institution.

She added: "Ultimately, I see this Bill as creating a framework which strengthens, not weakens our higher education sector, its institutions and traditions.

"To achieve that, it needs to be meaningful legislation which opens up the architecture of our institutions to be more diverse, inclusive and representative."

Earlier this week, a letter opposing the plans was signed by politicians Lord Steel and Sir Tam Dalyell, football commentator Archie Macpherson, author Muriel Gray, musician Donnie Munro, footballer John Colquhoun, Scottish neurologist Malcolm Macleod and journalist Jonathon W.G. Wills.

In a separate letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Mr Brown challenged the Scottish Government over its "anti democratic tendencies" arguing that the elected role of rector is the most democratic feature of higher education.

Mr Brown said: "The SNP is playing fast and loose with the democratic traditions of Scotland. It cannot be right that in 2015, at a time when we are opening up public appointments to both scrutiny and election, that we replace a democratic right that ensures transparency with a new law."

Currently, the universities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews all have elected rectors who represent the student body.

Rectors, who are often celebrities or notable public figures, also chair meetings of the powerful Courts which run universities.

Under the Bill all chairs of Court will be elected in future, but the role of students in selecting candidates and voting has not yet been established.