Sir Menzies was installed at a ceremony on Saturday

The 64-year-old, who took the helm of Britain's third biggest political party in March, became chancellor of the University of St Andrews on Saturday.

He was elected unopposed into the historic role earlier this year after the retirement of Sir Kenneth Dover.

The university was founded in 1413, making it the third oldest in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge.

The post of chancellor dates back about 500 years.

Post holders are the unofficial head of the university, with modern-day duties including conferring degrees and promoting the image of the institution around the world.

Honorary degree

Although Sir Menzies went to Glasgow University, he is MP for North East Fife, which includes the picturesque town of St Andrews.

He has been described as a "close friend" of the university by officials.

During Saturday's ceremony , Sir Menzies was also given an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

He received the doctorate alongside BBC television newsreader Anna Ford, conservationist Dame Jennifer Jenkins - wife of the late Liberal peer Lord Roy Jenkins - and Lord Brian Gill, Scotland's second most senior judge.

St Andrews is Scotland's oldest university

They were selected for the honours by Sir Menzies, who was entitled to pick three recipients as a result of his investiture.

The Liberal Democrat leader follows in some famous footsteps as chancellor of the university, who traditionally hold the post for life.

Previous holders of the title include former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, chancellor in the 1930s, and Cardinal Beaton, the Archbishop of St Andrews, who was murdered while in the post in 1546.

Classicist Sir Kenneth, who is in his mid-80s, has held the post for 25 years.

He presented the university's most famous recent student, Prince William, with a geography degree during the young royal's graduation ceremony last June.

Earlier this year, former WWF Scotland director Simon Pepper was elected by students to be the university's rector.