Dundee University has confirmed that Angela Scott, current head of Aberdeen city council, will take up the position of Principal and Vice-Chancellor from October 19, 2026.
The announcement was made to staff and students following a university court session, in which she was officially named and appointed.
Mrs Scott will replace the current Interim Principal, Professor Nigel Seaton, who has been in the post since the Summer of 2025.
She was chosen by a selection panel featuring representatives of Court, Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA), the campus Trade Unions, and both professional services and academic staff, as well an external member in the form of the Principal of another Scottish university. Colleagues were also invited to participate in stakeholder group sessions with shortlisted candidates.
Mrs Scott is currently Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council, a post she has held for 12 years.
She said, “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee.
“This appointment is particularly meaningful to me because Dundee is my home city. I know first-hand the transformative power of education and the opportunities it can create. My own experience inspired a lifelong commitment to public service and a belief that education remains one of the most powerful forces for changing lives.
“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.”
Esther Roberton, Chair of Court, said, “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.
“I must also pay tribute to Professor Nigel Seaton, our Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor, who has been pivotal to our survival, taking difficult decisions and leading the University through its gravest crisis.
“Nigel came out of retirement to provide support to the interim leadership before being propelled to the position of leading the University through its gravest crisis. Over the last year, he and the team have risen to the challenges facing the University and taken the difficult decisions required if we are to be finally sustainable once more.”
Tom Christison, DUSA President, said: “Having been involved in the selection process for the new Principal and Vice Chancellor through both the SRC focus group and the Student Experience stakeholder group, and having had the opportunity to meet the new Principal, I am confident in the appointment.
“Angela will become the University’s first female Principal, and her public sector background promises to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the institution. I look forward to working with her as she begins her tenure as Principal, and pushing for students to be central in every decision she makes.”