UHI Shetland appoints new principal

UHI Shetland have appointed Laura Burden as Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland, following a recent recruitment process. Laura will take up the new position in early January 2026.

Laura has previously served as the Depute Principal of UHI Shetland since 2022, and previously was part of the merger process of the three Shetland colleges in 2021 as Depute Director and Head of Training and Skills. Prior to this, Laura was the Head of the Nautical and Engineering team at the former NAFC, from July 2015.

Stephen Leask, Chair of UHI Shetland board of management, commented:

“I am proud to welcome Laura Burden as Principal and CEO of UHI Shetland. Her experience, dedication, and leadership were instrumental in our recent successes, and I am confident she will lead the institution with integrity and ambition.”

Laura added:

“I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of Principal and CEO and look forward to working with our excellent team and stakeholders to build upon the impactful research and learning opportunities provided by UHI Shetland. I would also like to thank our outgoing Principal Professor Jane Lewis for all of her support, hard work and dedication to UHI Shetland over the last six years.”