The University's distinctive character comes from our ability to be both aspirational and down-to-earth. We are able to blend ground-breaking intellectual achievement with practical applications.The University has seen many changes since it became an independent institution in 1967. This independence followed a 70 year relationship with the University of St Andrews, but our fundamental aim remains. In 1897 University College became part of the University of St Andrews. This union served to give expression to local feeling that there should be a vital connection between the old and the new in academic affairs, and that a venerable institution in a small town and a modern establishment in a large city might well complement each other in a manner advantageous to both.In 1881, largely because of the foresight and generosity of Dr John Boyd Baxter and Miss Mary Ann Baxter of Balgavies - distantly related members of a wealthy and influential local family -