Uhi perth principal steps down from role

DR MARGARET COOK'S DEPARTURE FOLLOWS WHOLLY-OWNED UHI PERTH SUBSIDIARY AST GOING INTO ADMINISTRATION. 15:52, 20 May 2025 Controversial UHI Perth boss Dr Margaret Cook resigned from the

post this week as the institution faces continued financial challenges. City MSP Pete Wishart said she had lost the confidence of the entire UHI Perth community and her departure was the

only way to avert further reputational damage for the institution. Her resignation follows Perth’s Air Service Training (AST) – established in 1931 and a wholly-owned subsidiary of UHI Perth

– going into administration last month. Dr Cook, UHI Perth principal and chief executive, had also caused uproar last year over planned job losses and the closure of the UHI nursery. At the

time Mr Wishart said it had been “utterly incomprehensible” senior UHI Perth management had pursued radical cuts less than a year after disruption caused by the introduction of similar

proposals which had to be backtracked on. The UHI board accepted Dr Cook’s resignation this week with immediate effect. Article continues below UHI Perth management board interim chairperson

Alistair Wylie 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. “We appreciate Dr Cook’s contributions to UHI Perth

over the past eight years and thank her for her commitment to the delivery of high-quality education and the many achievements she has overseen. “The board is currently reviewing interim

leadership arrangements, working closely with the Regional Strategic Body and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC). “It is expected that we will make an interim appointment for up to six

months.” Perth and Kinross-shire SNP MSP Pete Wishart said: “This is the right decision by Dr Margaret Cook. I and others have recognised that this is the only way to avert further

reputational damage at UHI Perth. “It has been clear for some time that Dr Cook had lost the confidence of the entire UHI Perth community. “This was only exacerbated in recent weeks by the

renowned Air Service Training entering administration, issues surrounding the provision of degree courses, and worsening financial difficulties. “Nonetheless, I would like to thank Dr Cook

for her service over the years. “UHI Perth is a major local employer and a valued institution which has served generations of young people in Perthshire and beyond. “Fresh leadership and a

new vision present the opportunity to implement a proper financial recovery plan to get things back on track. “All focus now needs to be on protecting and enhancing UHI Perth’s offering, and

ensuring the campus is reaching its full potential for students, staff, and Perth more broadly as a university city.” Article continues below In a farewell message to staff, Dr Cook said:

“My sincere thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication to our students, everything you do on a daily basis makes a significant difference to our students’ futures, thank you.”