Linda Hanna has been elected as the new chair of the board of SRUC.

In the announcement of her election, Ms Hanna was described as 'an experienced Non-Exec Director and Strategic Advisor, will bring expertise on governance, strategic oversight and positive challenge'.

She will also be the first female Chair in the history of SRUC. Commenting, Ms Hanna said that she would 'bring fresh perspective, and a breadth of leadership and economic development expertise' which she has built through her career at Scottish Enterprise, where she has worked locally, nationally and internationally at the most senior levels with companies, industries, academia and government.

“I will draw on my networks and be an advocate for the organisation. When Natural Economy is mentioned, I will ensure SRUC comes to mind as the place to go,” she pledged.

Sandy Cumming, the current SRUC chair, will formally hand over the position on his retiral in April. Led by the chair, the board supports and monitors the high-level delivery of SRUC’s ambitions and visions as set out in its Strategic Plan. The chair is responsible for the leadership of the board and, together with the board and the principal, helps provide strategic direction to SRUC to ensure delivery of its objectives.

The chair also ensures that SRUC is 'well connected' to its stakeholders, including staff and students, and plays an ambassadorial role on behalf of SRUC.

Mr Cumming said: “It has been an honour and a pleasure to be at the helm of SRUC. I am delighted to be able to hand over the reins to Linda who, as well as being the first female chair in the history of the institution, will bring a fresh perspective to it as it works towards achieving degree awarding powers and celebrating its tenth anniversary.”

Voting for the position took place earlier this month. Principal of SRUC, Professor Wayne Powell, said: “Almost 10% of staff and students eligible to vote did so and I am delighted with the level of engagement this election process attained. I very much look forward to welcoming Linda to SRUC and to help lead this next exciting chapter in the life of SRUC.”