Cambridge rethinks its graduation tartan ban

The English university told male students they must only wear formal dress of a black morning suit and white bow tie.

But the interdict sparked fury among patriotic Scottish students, and the university has been inundated with e-mails from angry alumni demanding that the dress law be removed.

Yesterday, officials at the university admitted they were prepared to make exceptions for those who felt strongly about wearing their national dress.

A Cambridge University spokesman said: "These regulations have always been in place at the university but they were never enforced.

"Recently the number of people flouting and abusing the rules was becoming more prolific and extreme. If students feel strongly about the issue they can talk to the university and decisions will be made on an individual basis."

The kilt ban was sparked after university proctors - officials responsible for student discipline - complained about the variety of flamboyant clothing being worn to graduations.

In the past, students are thought to have turned up for graduations wearing casual clothes and claiming it was national dress. Officials asked the university senate to enforce a historic dress code barring all forms of dress apart from traditional white ties and suits.

Under the same rules, military uniforms are also banned, as are saris and kimonos.

Students found to be flouting the strict guidelines would be sent away to change or denied entrance to the ceremony.

The university insists the ban is in place to hammer home to students that they are becoming members of Cambridge University and must adhere to the dress code. But the decision has sparked furious political reaction north of the Border, while others described it as "racism".

A source close to the First Minister Jack McConnell said:

"The First Minister thinks this is a very silly idea. But government ministers are unlikely to get involved in a row over it."

Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace, a Cambridge graduate, added: "Instead of clamping down, they should be more flexible. You must be able to combine the best of the traditional, such as gowns and hoods, with something that allows you to wear your national dress."