Highlands and Islands University chief is named

Published on Tuesday 28 April 2009 22:59

THE Highlands and Islands is entering one of the key moments in its history as it prepares to have a university for the first time, according to the man who will lead the new institution.

Professor Matthew MacIver was yesterday appointed chairman designate of the governors of the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute, the area's prospective university.

Prof MacIver is the former chairman of the Gaelic development agency Brd na Gidhlig and retired chief executive and registrar of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

He will replace Colin MacKay, who retires at the end of this year.

Prof MacIver said: "UHI is at an exciting time in its development and I believe we are on the brink of bringing to the Highlands and Islands a proud, new university with its own distinctive structure and curriculum.

"This is arguably one of those key moments in the history of the Highlands and Islands."

Prof MacIver was formerly the rector of Fortrose Academy in Ross-shire and of the Royal High School in Edinburgh.