Glasgow University was said to be popular with students

The institution was praised for its "outstanding academic reputation, growing international standing and popularity with students".

The Sunday Times University Guide said the award recognised outstanding achievement during the past 12 months.

University Principal Sir Muir Russell said he was delighted with the "great achievement".

Glasgow University, which was founded in 1451, topped the list thanks to a jump of four places to 26th in the overall league table.

This was one of the biggest improvements of any top 30 university in the UK.

Mr Russell said: "I am particularly pleased that the university has been recognised for our teaching and our research, both of which are of a first class standard.

'Substantial change'

"Over the past several years, the University of Glasgow has gone through a period of substantial change which has allowed us to compete nationally and internationally with the best universities in the world.

"This award recognises the work we have done, and continue to do, and our staff and students can rightly take pride in our achievements."

Glasgow's 76.5% student satisfaction score was among the highest in the UK for a city-based university.

Other factors included high entry standards, the level of research income and research record and investment in new facilities.

The university was also praised for its high standing in a peer group survey of 2,000 university department heads, its prime location in the city's west end and a low level of graduate unemployment.

St Andrews University was the highest ranked Scottish University, ranked eighth overall in the UK-wide list.

It was also runner up for the title of UK University of the Year, which was awarded to Cambridge.