UHI Perth principal resigns after calls to step down

The principal and chief executive of UHI Perth has resigned from her post at the college.

Dr Margaret Cook, who held the role for eight years, faced calls to step down following "extreme" financial challenges at the institution.

UHI Perth told BBC Scotland News earlier this month it was operating within an increasingly challenging financial environment due to rising costs.

The college is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and research institutes.

It has about 7,000 students and about 500 teaching and support staff.

Dr Cook had been urged by the GMB union and local MP Pete Wishart to make way for a new leadership.

Announcing her resignation, Dr Cook offered "sincere thanks" to college staff for their hard work and dedication to students.

UHI Perth said it had accepted the resignation with immediate effect.

Alistair Wylie, interim chairman of the management board, said a temporary principal and chief executive was expected to be appointed for a period of up to six months.

He said: "UHI Perth, like many other institutions in the education sector is facing an extremely financially challenging landscape, where rising costs are not matched by corresponding increases in funding.

"We are working hard to mitigate financial challenges and set a clear path for our sustainable future."

Mr Wylie said the college was recruiting students for its autumn intake, and applications remained open.

Pete Wishart, SNP MP for Perth and Kinross-shire, said Dr Cook's resignation was the right decision.

He said: "It has been clear for some time that Dr Cook had lost the confidence of the entire UHI Perth community.

"Nonetheless, I would like to thank Dr Cook for her service over the years.

"Fresh leadership and a new vision present the opportunity to implement a proper financial recovery plan to get things back on track."

Keir Greenaway, GMB Scotland senior organiser in public services, said new leadership at the college had been needed for some time.

Mr Greenaway told BBC Scotland News: "Our members have been voicing serious concerns around the management culture and governance for many years now but been ignored.

"Their voice should have been heard then and must be heard now. It is beyond time for their concerns to be properly addressed."

He called for GMB Scotland to be represented on the board of the college, and said new leadership should be part of a wider review of college funding.

UHI Perth is one of a number of Scottish universities and colleges looking at ways of cutting back on spending in response to financial pressures.

Last week, the University of Aberdeen announced plans to change the courses it offers, with less popular subjects facing possible cuts under a savings plan.

It is aiming to address a £5.5m budget gap.