Respected professor to take charge at university

EDINBURGH University has announced the appointment of a highly respected academic who will take charge of its largest college.

Professor April McMahon will become the next vice-principal and head of the College of Humanities and Social Science.

Prof McMahon will be responsible for its 13,000 students. She will take up the post on August 1.

Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea, principal and vice-chancellor, said: "I do not doubt that she will make an excellent head of college."