One of TV's Two Fat Ladies has vowed to bring traditional student problems - such as ''awful'' food and tuition fees - to the boil.
Colourful chef Clarissa Dickson-Wright made the pledge as she met students yesterday in her bid to become the first woman rector of one of Scotland's oldest universities.
Ms Dickson-Wright is the front runner in a four-way bid for the position at Aberdeen University. Before supplying students with a rich, home-made chocolate torte, she pledged to tackle tuition fees as well as sort out the ''awful'' catering in student halls.
She said: ''I was delighted to be asked and if I am elected I believe I will be the first woman rector to be elected to any university in Scotland.
''The one right I feel strongly about is people's right to free education and I hope to make a stand on behalf of the students.
''It is tough enough when you come out of university dealing with the financial burdens. Students are the future and there is no way they should have to pay, or have parents strapped for cash to pay for four years' education.''
She said she would also like to give students some decent tips on how to eat well on a low budget and has already concocted a recipe for the student body which consists of potatoes, cabbage, and sausages - cooked in one pot.
Ms Dickson-Wright, whose grandmother was from Aberdeen, was invited to stand in the election by students Paul Dickson and Hamish Trench. Mr Trench, 21, said: ''We are both delighted she is so keen to do this.
''We feel she is someone the students will look up to and listen to and it is obvious she wants to spend time with the students too.''
The election is being held after the death of the previous rector, SNP deputy leader Allan Macartney.
Also standing are Mr Magnus Linklater, former Scotsman editor, Dr Norman Allan, SNP councillor, and Mr Richard Eccles, a retired major.
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