UHI appoints new Chairs to UHI Inverness and UHI Moray boards, bringing global expertise to support local communities

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), in its capacity as the Regional Strategic Body, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Chairs to its assigned college boards of management: Victoria Erasmus for UHI Inverness and Eilidh Kennedy McLean MBE for UHI Moray.

Victoria Erasmus, a prominent business leader and Director at Glen Mhor Hotel and Apartments, UileBheist Brewery/Distillery and Energy Centre in Inverness, and J&R Group Ltd, is also the founder and trustee of The South African Children’s Charitable Trust. Additionally, she serves as Co-Chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness and as a Non-Executive Director of Skills Development Scotland. She will assume her role as Chair of the UHI Inverness board of management in January 2025.

Eilidh Kennedy McLean MBE will take up her position as Chair of the UHI Moray board of management in December 2024. A career diplomat and civil servant for more than 20 years, Eilidh has worked as an Advisor for the United Nations, as the British Council’s Country Director for Saudia Arabia and Head of the Gulf, in the private sector and in previous roles working for the UK Government. She has extensive experience in partnership working, equality and diversity, building teams, delivering change, and has worked with higher education to develop specialist online curriculum.

Additionally, UHI Moray welcomes Roddy Burns, former Chief Executive of Moray Council, as an independent member of its board of management; and UHI Inverness board welcomes Barbara Nelson, former HM Inspector of Education, and David Stewart, former MP, and MSP.

These voluntary roles were filled following successful recruitment campaigns that drew a high level of interest.

Alastair MacColl, UHI's Chair of Court, welcomed the appointments:

"Our new appointees bring a vast amount of experience between them, and all have a commitment to the outcomes we achieve for our students and our regions. Their outstanding expertise will help UHI continue to make learning mean more, for each and every one of our students and the communities we serve."