Aberdeen Council chief executive named Dundee University principal as strikes loom

The chief executive of Aberdeen City Council is to join Dundee University as its new principal and vice-chancellor.

Angela Scott will join the Tayside institution in October.

She has been in her current role for 12 years and the troubled university, which now faces five weeks of strike action in a dispute over job cuts, said she brings “extensive experience of institutional recovery, financial sustainability and large-scale transformation across complex public services”.

Her appointment was confirmed by the university’s governing body this afternoon following a selection process including student, trade union and other representatives.

Esther Roberton, chair of the university's court, commented: “We are delighted to appoint Angela as our new principal and vice-chancellor. She comes to us as the university seeks to rebuild after a traumatic period and I am sure Angela is the right person to lead that recovery.

“Universities across Scotland continue to face significant challenges and Angela has demonstrated her ability to steer an organisation confidently through severe external pressures. She brings values-driven leadership, vision and financial discipline, all of which will be critical to the development of a new university strategy to guide its direction over the next five years.”

The institution announced a potential £30m black hole in late 2024, saying job cuts were “inevitable”.

As many as 675 posts have been lost through voluntary redundancy and a further 190 losses are planned.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have said they will strike for five weeks from September.

Scott said: “The University of Dundee has a remarkable history and a well-earned international reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation. I look forward to working with staff, students, alumni and partners to build on those strengths.

“While the university has faced significant challenges in recent years, I am confident in its future. By building on the achievements of generations of staff and students, we have an opportunity to strengthen and renew the university for the long term, ensuring it continues to make a positive difference locally, nationally and internationally.

“It is an extraordinary privilege to return to Dundee to lead one of the city's most important institutions. I am excited to begin working with the university community to shape the next chapter in its distinguished history.”