Mark Batho to become vice-principal at Abertay University

One of the best known figures in Scottish higher education is to become vice-principal of Abertay University.

Mark Batho, chief executive of the Scottish Funding Council which distributes £1.6 billion of public funding to universities and colleges will take up his new role in September.

The SFC played a key role in the controversy over the proposed merger between Abertay and Dundee University in 2011, which saw a delay imposed in recruiting a replacement principal after the departure of Professor Bernard King.

Mr Batho will be responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation and support services at Abertay.

Principal Professor Nigel Seaton said Mr Batho shared his ambitions for Abertay as a university that is both rooted in its community and has global reach.

Mr Batho said he was “already familiar with the university and its ambitions for the future” and was looking forward to joining the team.