Three cheers for Rangers chaplain as he retires from University of Glasgow role

But, for the Reverend Stuart McQuarrie, a handshake between a Muslim chaplain and Jewish rabbi came to represent all he’d hoped to achieve during two decades with the institution. 

The Easterhouse-born Church of Scotland minister hung up his ceremonial robes this week after 19 years as chaplain of the university, where has has supported thousands of students from across the world and of many different faiths. 

During his time, the 67-year-old has played a key role in inter-faith discussions, ministered weddings in its Bute Hall, and led countless graduation ceremonies. 

He’s also been there for the “rawest moments of human life”, including the funeral service for Clutha pilot David Traill. 

But, it was the sharing of peace between Shoket Aksi and Rabbi Rubin Moshe which he believes sums up his time in the West End.

He said: “Shoket Aksi, our Muslim chaplain, presented a reading from the Koran during a service to mark the opening of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and explained what it was, doing it in his lovely chanting way.

“Immediately up after him was Rabbi Rubin and the two of them stood at the top of the steps in the university chapel and shook hands warmly.

Shoket Aksi (left), pictured with Shabana Naz and Fiaz Khan

“In some ways, that handshake represented everything I had hoped to achieve as chaplain of Glasgow University.

“It was at the height of the Gaza conflict and it represented something uniquely special; two people being in a sacred space and feeling confident and able to do that.

“That, for me, sums up the university and what it means for students who come from all across the world to study there.”

Rev McQaurrie, who now lives in Rutherglen with his wife Gillian, has held a number of roles within churches across the city during his ministry, including serving Toryglen Parish Church. 

He also spent time as a councillor and later famously helped to arrange Nelson Madela’s visit to the city in 1993. 

Meanwhile, he is the long-serving chaplain of both Rangers Football Club and rugby team Glasgow Warriors and will continue in these roles for the foreseeable future. 

He said: “I do feel a great sadness about leaving the university but time and tide wait for no one.

Rev Stuart McQuarrie has led a number of memorial services during his time as chaplain of Rangers Football Club, including yearly services for the Ibrox Disaster of 1971

“It is time to go and no one could have foreseen the circumstances which are affecting every aspect of life for everyone.

“I just feel sorry for people for whom the change is much, much greater and it is comparatively easy for me.

“I’ve been very fortunate in the things I have done. I left school with three O Levels and hadn’t much of a clue. 

“It’s all about having the right people in your life and I have been really fortunate at key times in my life.

“It’s all about using faith and belief to see people as human beings first and foremost.

“It’s about letting people be themselves and encouraging them to achieve much more than they would. 

“When you start inhibiting people and using religious faith to restrict people, you then restrict our capacity as human beings.” 

The Principal of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, said: “Stuart MacQuarrie is a real UofG hero. 

“As chaplain he has been there through all the many good times; graduations, student events, wedding ceremonies and all manner of activities in the chapel and around our campus. 

“But he also provided exceptional support and pastoral care to students, members of staff and the wider university community at times of difficulty and distress. 

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli

“I have been struck, but not at all surprised, at the huge amount of good wishes that have been sent to Stuart over the past few days. 

“I want to add my own tribute to the way he has undertaken his duties and to note that he has gone well above and beyond what would have been expected. 

“He will be very much missed by me and our wider university family.”