'The RSE is more in tune with the European agenda than with England'

Englishman Jeremy Smith has been elected one of the Royal Society of Edinburgh's new fellows

Philologist Jeremy Smith, head of Glasgow University's English language department, is one of more than 60 individuals elected this year as fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scotland's national academy.

"I'm surprised, actually, and very chuffed," he said. "The RSE's very distinguished fellows include some great mentors of mine, and it's thanks to them that I'm here."

The RSE elects fellows from all disciplines, which Professor Smith, an Englishman, said was a distinguishing feature of Scottish higher education.

"It's much more in tune with the European agenda, which has never really made that distinction between arts and sciences, than with England.

"I perceive the RSE as a very powerful ginger group," he added.