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Salmond stokes R&A row over women Salmond stokes R&A row over women
(about 4 hours later)
First Minister Alex Salmond has urged bosses at the home of golf to give a membership to the new female principal of the University of St Andrews.First Minister Alex Salmond has urged bosses at the home of golf to give a membership to the new female principal of the University of St Andrews.
Mr Salmond said the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which has never had a female member, should give Dr Louise Richardson "special membership".Mr Salmond said the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which has never had a female member, should give Dr Louise Richardson "special membership".
He called on the R&A to continue its "long-standing practice".He called on the R&A to continue its "long-standing practice".
The club denied discriminating against her and said only two university heads had ever been made special members.The club denied discriminating against her and said only two university heads had ever been made special members.
A spokeswoman for the university declined to comment.A spokeswoman for the university declined to comment.
Mr Salmond said: "The Royal and Ancient Golf Club should follow their long-standing practice of offering membership to the principal of St Andrews University, and I am sure that after due consideration they will continue with that honourable tradition."Mr Salmond said: "The Royal and Ancient Golf Club should follow their long-standing practice of offering membership to the principal of St Andrews University, and I am sure that after due consideration they will continue with that honourable tradition."
Dr Richardson took over as the new principal and vice chancellor of St Andrews University last month.Dr Richardson took over as the new principal and vice chancellor of St Andrews University last month.
It's more than 500 years since Mary Queen of Scots became the first woman to tee off at the home of golf, but it seems that the Royal and Ancient is still stuck in the middle ages Claire BakerFife MSPIt's more than 500 years since Mary Queen of Scots became the first woman to tee off at the home of golf, but it seems that the Royal and Ancient is still stuck in the middle ages Claire BakerFife MSP
Two previous principals, including her predecessor Dr Brian Lang, have been granted special membership of the prestigious club.Two previous principals, including her predecessor Dr Brian Lang, have been granted special membership of the prestigious club.
But a spokesman for the Royal And Ancient, which was founded in 1754, said: "This is not a tradition or a right - it has only happened twice in the past.But a spokesman for the Royal And Ancient, which was founded in 1754, said: "This is not a tradition or a right - it has only happened twice in the past.
"It's an invitation at the club's discretion."It's an invitation at the club's discretion.
"I think it is important to point out it is only ever issued after the principal of the day has had the opportunity to become well-known locally.""I think it is important to point out it is only ever issued after the principal of the day has had the opportunity to become well-known locally."
The club faced criticism from local MSPs over the row.The club faced criticism from local MSPs over the row.
Labour's Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said: "It is high time the fuddy-duddies who run the club put their chauvinist attitudes to one side and joined the 21st century.Labour's Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said: "It is high time the fuddy-duddies who run the club put their chauvinist attitudes to one side and joined the 21st century.
"It's more than 500 years since Mary Queen of Scots became the first woman to tee off at the home of golf, but it seems that the Royal and Ancient is still stuck in the middle ages.""It's more than 500 years since Mary Queen of Scots became the first woman to tee off at the home of golf, but it seems that the Royal and Ancient is still stuck in the middle ages."
And Nationalist MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Professor Chris Harvie, called on the Royal and Ancient to "wake up and join the 21st century".And Nationalist MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Professor Chris Harvie, called on the Royal and Ancient to "wake up and join the 21st century".
Prof Harvie said: "Golf is one of Scotland's greatest assets and this does nothing to promote Scotland as the home of golf in this Homecoming year."Prof Harvie said: "Golf is one of Scotland's greatest assets and this does nothing to promote Scotland as the home of golf in this Homecoming year."
Dr Richardson is to be officially installed at a ceremony in St Andrews at the Younger Hall on 25 March.Dr Richardson is to be officially installed at a ceremony in St Andrews at the Younger Hall on 25 March.
Established in 1754, the Royal and Ancient has never had a women member, but did admit women to its clubhouse during the Curtis Cup and the Women's British Open. Established in 1754, the Royal and Ancient has never had a female member, but did admit women to its clubhouse during the Curtis Cup and the Women's British Open.
St Andrews is due to host next year's Open Championship.St Andrews is due to host next year's Open Championship.