Foundation
The way we connect with our stakeholders
Together we can be the catalyst for a step change in the economic and cultural growth of our regions.
At the heart of UHI’s mission is our commitment to creating a transformational impact on the prospects of our regions—its economy, its people, and its communities. We achieve this through collaboration, openness, respect and excellence, ensuring that these values are embedded in everything we do.
We recognise that we cannot achieve this in isolation. True progress comes from engagement, partnership, and shared vision. That is why we actively connect with the people and communities we serve, striving for mutual benefit and collective success.
Foundation is our external network, a vital bridge between UHI and our communities serving as a custodian of our Articles of Association, helping to shape the university’s future, champion UHI’s mission, and driving positive change across the regions we serve.
The role of Foundation and commitment from members
The role of Foundation and commitment from members
Our Foundation is truly representative of all our stakeholders, bringing together external organisations, businesses, community leaders, staff across the academic partnership, students and alumni from every corner of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire and beyond.
To be as impactful as possible, we request our members make a commitment to the Foundation, initially for three years, with the request that all members proactively participate in the following:
- To act as a custodian of the UHI articles of association.
- To attend and actively participate in Foundation meetings - 3 meetings per annum online and a conference meeting which is held in-person at a UHI partner venue with the ability to join online.
- From the perspective of stakeholders, to share information of relevance to UHI to feed into UHI strategy.
- To review UHI’s strategy and plans and provide constructive feedback.
- To act as UHI ambassadors, championing the university and its key messages as widely as possible and raise awareness within respective spheres of influence.
- To engage in open innovation with the university, helping solve challenges.
A dynamic two-way dialogue
A dynamic two-way dialogue
Foundation fosters an open, two-way dialogue—allowing us to work together, harness the power of our collective voice, and help shape UHI’s strategy and impact in action. Through this collaboration, we create a university partnership that our stakeholders feel a true sense of ownership over—one that reflects their needs and enriches their lives.
History of Foundation
History of Foundation
Foundation has played a pivotal role in the development and governance of UHI since its inception. Here's a concise overview of its history:
- 1997: The UHI Foundation was established, with Val MacIver serving as its first president.
- 1998: The Foundation made a significant decision to reconstitute UHI with new governance structures, marking a transformative period in the institution's evolution.
- 1998: Donnie Munro was elected as the first Rector of UHI, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to leadership and community representation.
- 2011: The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is established following the award of university title by the Privy Council.
- 2017: The Privy Council grants research degree awarding powers, allowing the university to award its own doctoral qualifications.
Throughout its history, Foundation has served as a vital link between the university and its diverse communities, ensuring that governance and strategic decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the region it serves.
Join us in shaping the future
Join us in shaping the future
We invite you to be part of this mission. Help us shape the future of UHI, ensuring it remains responsive to the voices of its stakeholders.
If you’d like to apply to join Foundation, please review the commitments we ask of our members and complete our online application form.
Together, we can build a university that makes a lasting difference.
Dr Fiona McLean, Rector (1 August 2021 to present)
Dr Fiona McLean, a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education in communities, was elected as the University of the Highlands and Islands’ sixth Rector in August 2021 by staff, students, and community representatives. Residing in Newtonmore, she brings a deep understanding of the region and its educational landscape.
Unlike most traditional universities, the University of the Highlands and Islands’ Rector also serves as Chair of its Foundation, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to strong community engagement and governance.
A long-standing supporter of the university, Dr McLean previously served as Vice-Chair of the UHI Court from 2014 to 2021. She is currently a Non-Executive Director with Scottish Government appointments to the boards of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland and the Cairngorms National Park Authority, as well as a member of the Committee for Scotland for the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
With a distinguished academic background, Dr McLean was formerly a Professor of Cultural Heritage Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. Her extensive experience spans multiple facets of higher education—as a governor, staff member, and student, most recently at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, a partner of UHI.
Living and working in the Highlands, she is dedicated to ensuring that Foundation strengthens the university’s connection with its communities and plays a vital role in advancing the university’s mission.
“As the current Rector of the foundation, I am a committed representative, ensuring that the voice of stakeholders is heard. I work to ensure the foundation's membership reflects the diversity of our communities and stakeholders. I support the foundation in enhancing its role in advising and enriching the university partnership. I act as an ambassador for the university and commit my time, energy, and enthusiasm to support the university’s mission.”
Evelyn Johnston - Vice-Chair, UHI Foundation
Evelyn Johnston, Vice-Chair of UHI Foundation, is a lifelong resident of the Black Isle with a career spanning more than three decades in local government. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Social Policy (1st) from the Open University achieved while also working full time. She is a UHI alumna with a postgraduate certificate in public sector leadership.
She has been actively involved in UHI Foundation since 2009 as a community representative. Her strong commitment to public service is evident through her current role on the Highland Council’s Pension Board where she serves as Chair. Beyond her professional work, Evelyn is also a committed community volunteer, supporting the RNLI Inverness and North Kessock Branch.
Evelyn’s career began in the construction industry before transitioning to local government with Ross and Cromarty District Council in 1989. Early roles saw her managing frontline services in Invergordon and Alness, and later leading multi-agency initiatives promoting social inclusion. Her passion for community and youth development was evident throughout her career and especially during her secondment to the Scottish Government as Social Justice Manager for the Highlands and Islands. This post provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the regions UHI serves.
Her most senior role before retirement was as a member of Highland Council’s Executive Leadership Team as Strategic Lead for Corporate Audit and Performance. In this capacity, Evelyn led internal audit, corporate performance, risk and governance functions. She played a key role in helping shape the council’s Corporate Plan and supporting national-level audit and performance processes. Prior to this, she held the role of Corporate Performance Manager, where she helped develop self-assessment models and improve risk and performance strategies council wide.
Earlier in her career, Evelyn served as a Policy Officer within the Education, Culture and Sport Service, driving strategic planning and securing external funding for community-focused initiatives. Notably, she was instrumental in projects like the High Life Leisure Card and youth engagement programmes funded by national and EU grants. Her work supported service improvement through innovation, partnership working, and effective use of public resources, leaving a lasting impact on community development and public service delivery in the Highlands and Islands.
In retirement, Evelyn remains active and adventurous, enjoying travel, hiking Munros and Corbetts, and pursuing sustainable hobbies like upcycling. Her enduring dedication to community service, social inclusion and continuous improvement in public service marks her as a deeply respected figure both within UHI and across the Highland region.
