NEW PRINCIPAL APPOINTED
AT AYR COLLEGE

January 12 2004

Ayr College has appointed University of Paisley Assistant Principal Professor Alex MacLennan as its new Principal and Chief Executive.

Professor MacLennan, who takes up the post on 1 April 2004, has been at the University of Paisley since 1985.

As Principal and Chief Executive, Professor MacLennan succeeds the previous Principal Mr Frank Burns, who retired in December 2003 after 14 years in the role.

Professor MacLennan has a distinguished career in higher education, notably developing the University of Paisley's "lifelong learning" agenda and pioneered flexible methods of study which are now widely used in Scottish further and higher education.

He has also played a key role in a number of centrally funded projects to develop and encourage collaboration between higher education and further education - a key element in the Scottish Executive's widening participation and lifelong learning strategies.

Professor MacLennan, 50, said: "Ayr College has an excellent reputation in the Further Education sector and I am delighted to be joining the College at this exciting stage in its development.

"I'm looking forward to working with colleagues to ensure that Ayr College continues to occupy its position as one of Scotland's leading further education colleges.

"Anyone visiting Ayrshire cannot help but be impressed with the overwhelming sense of optimism which is now prevalent. I share this view. It is already a great place in which to live, learn and work and with many exciting new developments planned, this is set to continue."

Prior to being appointed Assistant Principal of The University of Paisley, Professor MacLennan held the post of Director of the University's campus in Ayr. Under his directorship Professor MacLennan oversaw the expansion of the University's portfolio on this campus, to include more degree options.

Professor Bill Barr, Chairman of the Board of Management of Ayr College, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Alex MacLennan as our new Principal and Chief Executive.

"Professor MacLennan, who has demonstrated innovation and excellence throughout his career, has all the attributes required to ensure that the College builds on its firmly established reputation for delivering vocationally-based education and training of the highest quality."

"His considerable leadership and management experience, particularly in the field of increasing and widening educational participation, will mean that Ayr College continues to occupy a central role in meeting the economic, educational and social needs of Ayrshire."

ends

This release is issued by Ross Wilson Public Relations on behalf of Ayr College.

THIS NEWS RELEASE APPEARED IN THE FOLLOWING MEDIA IN SCOTLAND IN JANUARY 2004 - THE HERALD, METRO, DAILY MAIL, WEST FM RADIO, AYRSHIRE POST, AYR ADVERTISER AND THE AYRSHIRE EXTRA.