Universities Scotland appoints successor to Professor Bernard King

Higher education umbrella body Universities Scotland has appointed a new leader as successor to former Abertay University principal Professor Bernard King.

He was serving as its convener until he was forced to step aside when he was suspended from his job in January.

He has since ended his dispute with the university and agreed to retire.

The new convener will be Professor Seamus McDaid, who is principal of the University of the West of Scotland.

He said, “The next few years are set to be very challenging for universities but I take on this role with confidence and ambition for the sector’s future.

“Over the last year Universities Scotland has taken a very proactive approach to working in closer partnership across the sector and with other stakeholders including schools, colleges and business.”

Mr McDaid’s one-year appointment comes as universities are bracing themselves for the Scottish Government’s spending review and proposals for a higher education bill expected in the autumn.