Nostalgia; On campus at Edinburgh University

IT is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Edinburgh University's Anti-Apartheid society protest outside Teviot Row House in 1984; below, a sit-in protest against rent increases in 1979

Founded in 1582, Edinburgh University is an important part of our capital city, deeply embedded in its fabric.

And this week the university added another string to its bow by making a significant rise in the latest World University Rankings.

The rankings list the top 800 universities in the world, with Edinburgh moving from 36th to 24th place.

Edinburgh University students stage a sit-in to protest against rent increases in December 1979.

Of course, this will come as no surprise to the generations of students who have passed through its doors.

Most of them learned much more than just the subjects they were studying during their time at the university, with protests and campaigns part of everyday life for many.

Demonstrators from the university’s Anti-Apartheid Society protested outside Teviot Row House in March 1984.

And in November 1965, students marched to the US Consulate at Regent Terrace to protest against the Vietnam war.

Edinburgh University students march to the US Consulate at 3 Regent Terrace in Edinburgh to protest against the Vietnam war, November 1965.

Students staged a sit-in back in December 1979 to protest against rent increases.

Edinburgh students also have a proud history of being involved with student newspapers.

This photograph from October 1993 shows copies of Student being sold outside one of the university buildings.

Politics have always come hand in hand with life at Edinburgh University.

A student buying a student newspaper at Edinburgh University in October 1993.

Rectorial battles have encouraged mass participation amongst students, with well-fought campaigns taking place. In November 1963, the two main camps were behind James Robertson Justice – the eventual winner – and Peter Ustinov.