Fraserburgh University

The University of Fraserburgh was a short-lived university founded in 1592 in Fraserburgh, Scotland by Sir Alexander Fraser of Philorth.

History
In 1592, Fraserburgh became a Burgh of royalty, despite protests from Aberdeen. In the same year, Fraser gained a charter to establish a university there, with the general assembly of the town quickly supporting it, offering the patronage of two of the town's churches. It is likely that Earl Marischal's personal rivalry with Fraser resulted in him founding Marischal College in Aberdeen. The university was confirmed in 1597 by parliament, who agreed to reimburse the costs of establishing it, and the general assembly granted land to Fraser for the university. Charles Ferme was made the principal of the university in 1600, which was at this point a 'spacious quadrangular building', three stories in height. However, after Charles was sent to prison for taking part in the general assembly of Aberdeen, the university failed to develop and was closed around 1605. There is no record of any teaching taking place.

During the 1647 plague brakeout in Aberdeen, King's College was temporarily moved to the old college buildings. The college buildings were demolished by the early 18th century. The only surviving part of the college is the Moses Tablet, now built into the interior wall of Fraserburgh South Parish Church.

Legacy
In the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre, there is a plaque commemorating the university's existence.