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UQ’s Scottish connection

UQ's pipe band, the Emmanuel College Highlanders (pictured), are about to celebrate their 20th anniversary (read more about their first two decades at Contact magazine).

While it’s rare for an Australian university to have a pipe band, it's not unusual for UQ, where ties to Scotland stretch from some of the university’s most influential early professors to current partnerships and engagement.

To celebrate Tartan Day, Australia’s celebration of Scottish culture on July 1, test your knowledge of UQ’s Scottish connections.

Ready to begin? 

Och aye!
Which of the following was an Aberdeenshire local who became the 'founding father' of UQ as it's first Chancellor in March 1910?
The University of Queensland Archives
Sir William MacGregor was the University's first Chancellor. He was also the president of the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland. Read more about his life and work at the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
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Which Scottish institution has UQ co-published the most research with since 2013?
Getty Images: Gannet77
UQ has produced 777 co-publications with Scottish institutions since 2013, but has published the most with the University of Edinburgh (335). Read more about UQ's global impact with Scottish partners. 
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Which of the following Scots was a UQ vice-chancellor and also has an iconic bridge (and a building at the St Lucia campus) named after him?
The University of Queensland Archives
John Douglas Story, born in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland, was UQ's vice-chancellor from 1938 to 1960. He also served on UQ's Senate. Read more about his life and work. 
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In which year did UQ's pipe band, the Emmanuel College Highlanders, travel to Scotland to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships?
UQ's pipe band travelled to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow in 2013. Read about their 20th anniversary celebrations at Contact magazine. 
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UQ's most iconic building is named after this Invergowrie native, who served as Queensland's 24th Premier (1932–1942) and UQ's chancellor (1944–1953) during an accomplished public service career.
The University of Queensland Archives
William Forgan Smith was the Scottish native who the iconic, sandstone-clad Forgan Smith building is named after. Read more about his life and work.
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How many academic staff at UQ report being born in Scotland?
Getty Images/realitybytes
27 of UQ's academic staff report that they were born in Scotland.
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Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine that has lowered the risk of HPV-related cancers for thousands of women around the world, was co-developed by which Scottish-born UQ researcher?
Professor Ian Frazer AC created Gardasil with his research partner, the late Dr Jian Zhou. Read more about its impact or read about his current work for Not If, When – the Campaign to Create Change. 
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Which childhood medical condition inspired UQ's Scottish-born Professor Avril Robertson to pursue a career in science research?

Professor Robertson had childhood asthma, and was inspired to pursue drug discovery research by how drugs improved her life. Read her story and others from UQ women who create change. 

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Which Scottish university does UQ have the highest number of student exchanges with?
Getty Images/encrier
19 UQ students are currently enrolled at the University of Edinburgh, and 24 Edinburgh students currently attend UQ. Current UQ students are also on exchange at Glasgow and Aberdeen.
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How many carvings in UQ's Great Court honour Scottish universities?

Among the Great Court's 1200 sandstone carvings are coats of arms of six Scottish universities: Heriot Watt, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Stirling. See the Carving a history website. 

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Yer heid’s full o’ mince!


Yer knowledge of UQ–Scottish trivia is reeking! Set aside ya kilt, sporran and brogues, as there's no hope fer ya. 

But to learn about some folks who are keeping those traditions alive, read about UQ's Scottish pipers and drummers, the Emmanuel College Highlanders, at Contact magazine.

Have a Scottish UQ fact, or want to get in touch? Contact us at contactmagazine@uq.edu.au or leave a comment below.
The UQ pipe band's emblem and Napier tartan kilt.
Nae bad, but nae good...

Yer knowledge of UQ–Scottish trivia isnae brilliant, but fill up on some haggis and tatties and ya'll be a braveheart in no time!

And while you do, read about UQ's Scottish pipers and drummers, the Emmanuel College Highlanders, at Contact magazine.

Have a Scottish UQ fact, or want to get in touch? Contact us at contactmagazine@uq.edu.au or leave a comment below.
UQ's pipe band on campus at St Lucia.
Yer a Braveheart!

They can take yer life, but they'll never take yer knowledge of UQ–Scottish trivia!

To celebrate your victory, read about UQ's Scottish pipers and drummers, the Emmanuel College Highlanders, at Contact magazine.

Have a Scottish UQ fact, or want to get in touch? Contact us at contactmagazine@uq.edu.au or leave a comment below.
The Emmanuel College Highlanders in 2018. Image: Ray Cash