Much-loved Bedellus Garry Muir retires after 14 years at the University

Amanda Skinner

Thursday 2 July 2026

What was meant to be a short stopgap role at the University turned into a 14-year career – including eight years as Bedellus – as Garry Muir now prepares to retire from a role at the heart of University life.

For generations of graduates, Garry has been one of the most recognisable faces at ceremonies and formal events, leading academic processions with the University mace and placing hoods over the heads of thousands of students as they crossed the graduation stage.

Born in Malta to a military family, Garry returned to Scotland after his father took up a post with the RAF at Leuchars. He lived in Ferryden Montrose before eventually settling in Dundee.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Garry joined the RAF, where he served for 14 years in the Mechanical Transport Section, working in many countries around the world.  After leaving the military, he moved into policing, initially based in Nairn before transferring to Fife Constabulary where he served on front line policing, CID, Community Inspector and eventually as Acting Chief Inspector. During his 15-year police career Garry was awarded the Royal Humane Society award for saving someone from drowning and also the Queens’ Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals.

Garry joined the University’s Estates team initially as a janitor after leaving the police, intending to stay only briefly.

“It was only supposed to be for a couple of years,” he said. “But I enjoyed it so much I stayed on and ended up Senior Janitor in the North Haugh, then I was then delighted to take the role of Bedellus a few years later and now my current office is almost directly across from the former Police Station on North Street, where I was previously a Police Sergeant.”

As Bedellus and lead mace-bearer, Garry became one of the key ceremonial figures of the University, helping uphold traditions that stretch back more than 600 years. Alongside his ceremonial duties, he also manages the Facilities Support Team, Mailroom and is also the Younger Hall Building Manager. Garry also works closely with the University Security Team.

Anyone who took part in a graduation procession under Garry’s guidance is likely to remember both his calm professionalism and his trademark dry sense of humour.

Reflecting on the many graduates and honorary degree recipients he has hooded over the years, Garry said one moment stood above the rest.

“My best memory was when Kenny Dalglish received his honorary degree,” he said. “He was always a hero of mine, so to be able to hood him was really enjoyable.”

The role of Bedellus – or beadle – dates back to the earliest records of the University and is common across Scotland’s ancient universities.

Historically, the Bedellus was responsible for a wide range of duties including security, buildings, announcements, examinations and ceremonial responsibilities. Today, the role remains most visible during graduations, chapel services and formal University events, where the Bedellus leads processions carrying the mace.

The University’s ceremonial maces themselves are among its most treasured historic objects. The collection includes three medieval maces dating from the 15th century, which continue to be used at graduation ceremonies and major events today.

Throughout his time in post, Garry carried forward those traditions with distinction, becoming a familiar and reassuring presence for students, staff and visitors alike.

Garry approaches retirement with plans to continue keeping up with his golf, his interest in classic cars and most importantly enjoying more time with his two grand-daughters and wife Alison

Garry said,  the thing he will miss most at the University was his hard-working team. Without them he said “I could never have enjoyed my time as much as I have. Also, working with the Graduation Team, as this is the part of my job I have enjoyed most”.

As he retires, colleagues across the University will miss both his dedication and his humour, and wish him a long and happy retirement.