The Princess Royal has been appointed as the first chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), which includes Perth College.
Formerly the UHI Millennium Institute, UHI is Scotland’s newest university, having gained the status in February.
The UHI is a partnership of 13 higher education institutions, including Perth College, catering for over 8,000 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses and research roles.
The chancellor is the titular head of the university and the princess royal’s role will be both ceremonial and ambassadorial, participating in conferring degrees at graduations and representing the university in the UK and overseas.
James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor of UHI, said: ”We are delighted the princess royal has accepted our invitation to be our first ever chancellor. The princess royal has been a long-time supporter and has already visited many of our campuses.
”She joins us as we seek to develop a university which will have a transformational effect on the Highlands and Islands and attract national and international interest.”
There is no indication where the formal installation of the new chancellor will take place and a date is expected to be set for 2012.
Provost John Hulbert of Perth and Kinross Council said: ”This success is great news for Perth. It comes at just the right time and is an important achievement to support our application for city status at the end of May.”
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