University of Dundee names experienced local leader to steer institution through recovery
The University of Dundee has appointed Angela Scott, the chief executive of Aberdeen City Council, as its new principal and vice-chancellor. The governing body confirmed her appointment on Thursday, with Ms Scott due to take up the role in October.
Ms Scott has served as Aberdeen’s council chief since 2014. Born and raised in Dundee, she studied commerce at Abertay University. She will succeed Professor Nigel Seaton, who has been interim principal since June 2025 following a period of leadership upheaval at the university.
The appointment comes as the university continues to tackle significant financial pressures. Earlier this year the institution said it still needed to identify around £20 million of annual savings, primarily from staffing budgets, and announced plans to cut a further 190 jobs following earlier voluntary redundancy rounds that reduced staff numbers by about 675.
“I know first-hand the transformative power of education and the opportunities it can create,” Ms Scott said, adding that she was “deeply honoured” to take up the role.
In her statement, Ms Scott praised the university’s history and international reputation and signalled a commitment to work with staff, students, alumni and partners to stabilise and renew the institution for the long term.
Local impact and context
Ms Scott’s appointment will be watched closely by the local community and university staff. The University of Dundee is a major employer in the city and a key driver of research and innovation locally. Leadership changes at this level are significant not only for strategic direction but also for staff morale and ongoing negotiations around savings and redundancies.
- When she starts: October (year of start provided by the university).
- Background: Chief executive of Aberdeen City Council since 2014; Dundee-born; commerce degree from Abertay University.
- Immediate challenge: Continued implementation of planned savings of around £20m and recent job reductions.
University statements confirm the search to fill the principal role followed an interim period. The university first disclosed a potential deficit in November 2024 and has since undertaken a range of measures intended to restore financial stability.
What happens next
The university has said an update on leadership arrangements at Aberdeen City Council will be announced in due course. For the University of Dundee, attention will now turn to Ms Scott’s plans for tackling the budget gap while protecting academic standards and research activity, and to how she intends to engage with staff and student representatives as cost-saving measures continue to be implemented.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incoming principal | Angela Scott |
| Current role | Chief executive, Aberdeen City Council (since 2014) |
| Start date | October |
| Reported savings target | Approximately £20m annually |
| Recent job cuts | About 190 planned; ~675 previously reduced via voluntary redundancy |
The new principal’s local roots and public-sector leadership experience will be seen as assets as the university seeks to balance fiscal repair with maintaining its academic mission. Further announcements are expected regarding transitional arrangements at Aberdeen City Council and the university’s detailed plans under the new principal’s leadership.
