Catherine Etri's interim leadership at UHI Perth extended

For a further two years

UHI Perth, a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), has confirmed that Catherine Etri will continue as Interim Principal and Chief Executive after her appointment was extended for a further two years by its Board of Management. 

Since her appointment in May 2025, Catherine has led UHI Perth through a period of significant change, working closely with staff, students, the board of management and partners to support the institution's ongoing recovery, strengthen governance and financial sustainability, and maintain a focus on delivering high-quality learning and an excellent student experience. 

Justine Mitchell, Chair of UHI Perth board of management, said:  “I am delighted Catherine has agreed to continue as Interim Principal and Chief Executive for a further two years. Under her leadership, UHI Perth has made significant progress over the past year, restoring financial stability and creating a strong platform for the future. The board believes this extension will provide the continuity and stability needed to build on that progress, implement our Strategic Plan and continue delivering the best possible outcomes for our students, staff, employers and the wider community. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Catherine over the next two years.” 

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: "We are very pleased that Catherine has agreed to continue in the role of Interim Principal and Chief Executive. She has provided strong, experienced and collaborative leadership during an important period for UHI Perth. Her commitment to staff, students and wider UHI community has been invaluable, and extending her appointment provides continuity and stability as UHI Perth continues its financial recovery and the wider UHI partnership progresses its Transformation programme. I very much look forward to working with Catherine and colleagues at UHI Perth as important members of the UHI tertiary university partnership." 

Catherine added: “It has been a great honour to serve as Interim Principal and Chief Executive over the past year, and I am deeply grateful to the board for asking me to remain in post for a further two years to support our continued financial recovery and campus transformation. My decision to stay has been strongly shaped by the commitment, resilience, and support I have received across all my colleagues at UHI Perth, they are what makes this place special. UHI Perth has recently been recognised as performing well above the national average in student success and I look forward to working with colleagues in Perth and the wider UHI partnership to continue enhancing our student experience and growing our curriculum in the coming two years.” 

Catherine has more than 30 years' experience in further and higher education and previously held senior leadership roles at UHI Perth before returning to lead the institution on an interim basis in May 2025.