Undergraduate gowns in Scotland

Undergraduate gowns are a notable feature of academic dress for students at the ancient universities in Scotland.
The most famous form of Scottish undergraduate dress is the red or scarlet gown. The gown is typically made of a thick woollen or wool-like material and is differentiated slightly according to the university at which it is worn. These gowns are worn by students of the University of St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee. The University of Strathclyde did not adopt the red gown, and instead students use the black "supertunica", adorned with saltire blue buttons and cords.
History.
It is likely that pre-Reformation undergraduates would have worn a black "supertunica" in common with students at all European universities of the time. By the latter part of James VI's reign, this had formalised into scarlet. Traditionally, the red colour was symbolic of a lower status, and was particularly visible. The post-Reformation gown evolved as a uniform for students, its visibility preventing them from engaging in illicit activities in their university towns.
In his work, "A tour thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain", Daniel Defoe notes the presence of the gowns at the Universities of Glasgow and St Andrews in the early 18th century, but also their absence at Edinburgh.
In reference to the University of Glasgow:
In reference to the University of St Andrews:
The "toga rubra" name, mainly popular at Aberdeen, was also used more widely, and declined with educational reform. A significant example of this is the actions of John Anderson, a professor at the University of Glasgow and founder of what went on to become the University of Strathclyde. During his tenure he opened up lectures specifically to cater to the working population of Glasgow, and in order to make their attendance more straightforward certain formalities, such as the red gown, were dispensed with - a move which was looked upon unfavourably by university authorities. As such, these became known as his "Anti-toga classes".
University of Glasgow.
The University of Glasgow's undergraduate gown is as follows: "Scarlet cloth, with full sleeves half the length of the gown. A difference indicating the Faculty may be worn in the form of a narrow band of silk on the breast of each side of the gown of the colour of the hood-lining proper to the lowest degree in the Faculty".
University of Aberdeen.
At the University of Aberdeen, and particularly within the predecessor King's College, the gown (or "toga rubra") has had varied fortunes over the years. During one of the slumps in use in 1885, it was noted that less than one-quarter of students wore it and was largely restricted to arts students at King's College. Regulations existed compelling gown-wearing amongst students, although were rarely enforced. In 1888, a 
plebiscite was organised at King's by the students' representative council, which continued to support compulsion by 258 votes to 32, and was recognised by the University's Senate. This was to little avail, with the gown still not becoming universal as it had been previously, and remaining subject to fashion. In the 1850s, Sir George Reid painted an image of an Aberdeen student in the gown, entitled ""Salve Toga Rubra"."
The "toga" was criticised as being unsuited to the climate of Aberdeen. It was considered proper amongst students to wear an old and worn gown. A tradition of 'gown-tearing' by older students to new 'bajans' (first years) therefore developed. Matriculation at Aberdeen traditionally occurred on the first Sunday of term; out of enforced respect for Sabbath, students would wait until the following Monday to engage in a 'tearing day'. Despite the cost of gowns, attempts to outlaw this practice were difficult to enforce, particularly as all students of the era carried a penknife in order to mend quills.
Opposition to the gown was also evident, during a 1922 attempt to build 'Varsity Spirit' and restore to wide use the 'traditional and honoured dress' of students, an anti-gown group was formed to protest at its restoration to prominence. In 1924, their views were aired in the university newspaper, stating:
This element of separation often caused gowned students to be jeered by the local children of the city.
Use.
The undergraduate gown has lost popularity at different times in the different universities. The requirements of town residence made it impractical, however the more isolated locations of Aberdeen and St Andrews (and by extension, Dundee) ensured a longer heritage.
At present, the gowns are most commonly a feature associated with the University of St Andrews where they are very commonly worn by students to formal events, pier walks and exams. They are only very rarely found in everyday usage at the other institutions, although are still occasionally seen worn by debaters, societies, student representatives, choirs and attendees at formal events and chapel services. It is perhaps most commonly seen at academic ceremonies, particularly in relation to the installation of a new Rector.
The undergraduate style influences several gowns of office, particularly for members of students' representative councils and Rectors.
Appearance.
Colour.
The colour of the red undergraduate gown is rarely defined precisely, however the University of Dundee and the University of St Andrews set the correct colour as "Union Jack red" (BCC210).
Differencing.
There are several differences between the gowns at the various universities, including:
Specialist gowns.
Gowns of office.
Many universities also have gowns of office for their student representatives. These are often variants inspired by the red gown, often differenced by facings.
The Glasgow University Students' Representative Council executive uses wholly purple gowns. Full listings of gowns worn by the University of St Andrews Students' Association are available at the Academic dress of the University of St Andrews entry. The University of Strathclyde Students' Association executive use the black "supertunica" with the university logo embroidered on the front at each side. The President also enjoys gold embroidery on the sleeves.
Notes.
Footnotes
References