Dolly the sheep foundation chief steps down

THE chief executive of a Lothian research institute involved in cloning Dolly the sheep has resigned.

Professor Quintin McKellar, who was also scientific director of the Moredun Foundation and Moredun Research Institute, is leaving to take up a post as the Principal of the Royal Veterinary College, London, next year.

Prof McKellar gained his PhD in 1984 after graduating from Glasgow Vet School three years earlier. He was awarded a personal professorship by Glasgow Vet School in 1996 and in August of the following year took up the post of scientific director of Moredun Research Institute and chief executive of the Moredun Foundation.

He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh this month.

Professor Sir James Armour, chairman of the Moredun Foundation, said: "Quintin has made a tremendous contribution during his tenure at Moredun and, while we regret his departure, we wish him well in his future career."

The Rt Hon Viscount Cranborne, chairman of the Council of the Royal Veterinary College, said: "We are honoured and delighted that Quintin McKellar has agreed to become the principal of the college.

"He has an outstanding record as a veterinary teacher and researcher, and as the chief executive of a singularly successful research institute."