From the Scottish Enlightenment to the industrial revolution, the University of Glasgow has witnessed countless wonders over its half a millennium-long history.
But the halls of the English-speaking world's fourth oldest university are now resounding to something never heard before - the footsteps of the Kitten Heel Society.
Alongside the likes of the Glasgow Marxists and Palestine Society, this new social group has joined the ranks of the more than 200 clubs that call GU home.
READ MORE: Man fined over cocaine possession and kicking off on Sauchiehall Street
Intrigued by their unique premise and dedication to 'having fun and feeling good in a dark austere age of humanity', the Evening Times caught up with club founder and 'President Kitty' Izzy McLaren to learn more.
So how did the society come to be founded? Or to put it another way, why kitten heels?
I was on the train home after finishing third year and had a sort of epiphany, I have no idea where it came from but I immediately messaged my friends and the society just sort of escalated from there.
We only became official on September 29 at the start of this term , which was a big day for us.
I personally don't understand why people get so upset and angry about kitten heels, what have they ever done?
It may seem completely ridiculous on the surface but I think we stand for a lot more than you may think.
Wearing kitties would cast you as an outsider in society, some people look at you in disgust and cast judgement but we are here to abolish that and say whoever you are and whatever you wear you can have a good time.
What kind of reaction has the society prompted?
We have had a largely positive response but there are a fair few haters, which we kind of thrive off. We all find it quite amusing that a kitten heel could make someone so angry, we are clearly having a laugh and respond to haters with nothing but love.
We really don't mind if you don't like our society, we are just enjoying ourselves and that's okay with us.
@IzzyMcLaren @UofGKittenHeel So my sister is doing some work experience in the library this week.... pic.twitter.com/NghLOaXvB7
— Hannah Elizabeth Kay (@HannahKay131) November 16, 2016
Can you explain your mission statement to us? 'We are here to have fun and feel good in a dark austere age of humanity' That seems simultaneously frivolously lighthearted and bleakly depressing.
2016 has been a rough year for everyone, with events such as Brexit and US election and just the general strains of university life.
We felt having something completely ridiculous that involves socialising and having a good time with friends would be an appropriate distraction.
Our main tag line is 'kitten heels will give your life that extra lift!', so come along and throw on some 1 inchers and have a good time!
We have enjoyed the events we have done so far and look forward to putting on more events next term.
So what does it mean to be a member of the Kitten Heel Society? Any entry requirements?
There is no membership fee and the only requirement is that you need to turn up in a pair of kitties or cuban heels (for boys) and be ready to have fun.
The subway crawl was a great success, the locals in the pubs got behind it and posed for pictures with the heels, they were also giving us advice on how to take the society further.
Another highlight was meeting Chloe from Geordie Shore and getting her to pose with a Kitty , she was very confused ahah!
I understand there's a serious side to you guys too?
Yes, we did a cake sale for Glasgow Women's Aid and raised £50.
It has been a very stressful term for most of the committee as our dissertations are actually due a couple of days from writing this.
We plan on doing more charity events for Women's Aid next term when uni work has settled down.
Our Prime Minister Theresa May is a noted wearer of kitten heels. What are your thoughts on her footwear choices?
We appreciate Theresa May for bringing the Kitten Heel into the limelight, our Vice-President loved Theresa's leopard print pair so much she went and got herself some. We don't want to affiliate ourselves with any political party and leave political opinion at the door and try and enjoy ourselves.
For the most part men tend to look rather ungainly in kitten heels. Does this preclude their membership?
Men are more than welcome. Our committee actually has five men on it who all rock a cuban heel, this doesn't mean you can't rock a kitten heel if you want boys!
READ MORE: Man fined over cocaine possession and kicking off on Sauchiehall Street
What's your official stance on stilettos?
We have no issue with stilettos, if you're feeling your life needs an even bigger lift then you go for it.
Highlight of the night was the President of @UofGKittenHeel recognising me
— Cameron Duck (@CameronNDuck) November 11, 2016
When you look around at your fellow societies, such as the Trading and Investment Society or Palestine Society, who are rather serious in nature, where do you think you fit in?
We respect all other societies and admire those supporting such important issues.
Nae wonder students get a hard time... seen a poster up at uni today for a "kitten heel society" 😑😑😑😑😑
— jenn (@jenniferdyet) October 18, 2016
We see ourselves as somewhere where you don't have to take yourself, or life too seriously.
We all need time for that in our lives so we don't get down about all the terrible things going on in the world, you've got to remember there is still a lot of happiness and love too.
If you'd like to join the society, visit their Facebook page here.
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