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Aberdeen's daily paper, the Press and Journal, is noted for seeing the city and its environs as the centre of the universe. Sir Stewart Sutherland, principal of Edinburgh University and former vice chancellor of London University, speaking at a graduate reunion dinner during Aberdeen University's quincentenary celebrations, reported the approach made to his secretary when he was appointed principal of King's College London.

"I believe you've got a new principal." "Yes." "I believe he's called Professor Sutherland." "Yes." "I believe he's a graduate of Aberdeen University." "Yes." Pause. "He wouldn't be a local man, would he?" "Yes." "In that case, could I talk to him?"