Muslim gets divinity post

A MUSLIM professor has been appointed to an Edinburgh University divinity post for the first time in its 160-year history.

New College, based at The Mound, has brought in Professor Mona Siddiqui after more than a century of being seen as the embodiment of Scottish Presbyterianism.

The 48-year-old, born in Pakistan, will take up the role of professor of Islamic and inter-religious studies later this week.

It is seen as a move by the university to reach out to other faith groups.

The academic, often heard on Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, advised the Scottish Government on legislation to outlaw forced marriage.