C. Duncan Rice, Aberdeen University's principal, wanted an explanation when he discovered that Lori Manders, director of external affairs, would not be attending an important senior management meeting. But Professor Rice, a keen supporter of the arts and a member of the board of Scottish Opera, was understanding when Ms Manders explained that she was going to London for a concert. Perhaps he might have been less sympathetic had she admitted that the artists she was travelling 600 miles to hear were boy band Westlife.