Sir Anton Muscatelli was feted in a special ceremony in Glasgow’s city chambers yesterday.

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren presented the Loving Cup to the longtime University of Glasgow boss, celebrating his role in bringing “distinction and honour” to the city.

Sir Anton has served as Principal and Vice Chancellor at the university for fifteen years, since October 2009. The economist, 62, is set to retire next year. 

The Lord Provost said: “I’m delighted, ahead of Sir Anton’s imminent retirement, to have had the opportunity to present him with The Loving Cup. An accolade acknowledging his outstanding contribution to the University of Glasgow and my city.

“It was given with a sense of civic pride, satisfaction and affection; valuing Sir Anton’s exceptional contribution to Higher Education and enduring loyalty to Glasgow.”

Sir Anton was knighted in 2017 for his services to the higher education sector. He has also received Italy’s highest civilian honour, achieving the rank of Knight Commander in 2008. 

READ MORE:

Reacting to the presentation of the Cup, Sir Anton said: “I am very grateful to receive the Loving Cup, and deeply humbled to be recognised in this way by the City of Glasgow.

“I’m really proud of my long association with Glasgow, and it is a huge honour to have the opportunity to play a small part in the long and distinguished history of the city through my leadership of the University of Glasgow.

“As we approach the City of Glasgow’s 850th birthday in 2025, and looking ahead to the University’s 575th birthday in 2026, I’ve been reflecting on the fact that the University of Glasgow has been intrinsically linked with the city for the best part of six centuries.

“I have always been acutely aware of the civic role and responsibility the University has as an anchor institution and a great seat of learning in the city, and I remain committed to ensuring that we play that role to the full. I would like to thank the Lord Provost for this wonderful honour.”

Previous recipients of the Cup include Partick Thistle, The Princess Royal, and Andy Cameron. 

The University of Glasgow congratulated Sir Anton in a post on X.

“Very proud that Sir Anton has been awarded Glasgow's Loving Cup in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University of Glasgow, Higher Education and the city.”