THE election co-ordinator for rector at the University of Aberdeen is being a bit harsh and bureaucratic in disallowing Buttons, the cat, as a candidate on the grounds it is not human (“Fur flies as students fight for Buttons the cat to become new rector “, The Herald February 12).

After all, Caligula seriously considered appointing his horse, Incitatus, as a Roman consul, seen as a follow-up to providing the horse with a stall of marble, a manger of ivory, purple blankets and a collar of precious stones. I say let Boots stand and allow the students their say on what they think of the whole election process so far.

Ian W Thomson,

38 Kirkintilloch Road, Lenzie.