This month, Lews Castle College UHI appointed Sue Macfarlane as Interim Principal and CEO.

Sue has 30 years of experience of working in the education and skills sector, and joined the College in October in her role as Director of Transformational Change at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Previously Depute Principal at West Highland College UHI, Sue has also held senior management roles at SQA and Perth College UHI. Hailing from Yorkshire originally, Sue has lived and worked in Scotland for over 35 years, first working in the private sector before moving into further and higher education. 

She commented: "I am delighted to join the College as Interim Principal and CEO. I look forward to working with staff and students over the next year to ensure people across our communities receive a high quality learning experience and increased access to further and higher education. I also welcome the opportunity to work with key stakeholders and partners across the Western Isles, and beyond, to help deliver on the opportunities of the Islands’ Deal, address the economic challenges of Covid and for the College to play a key role in supporting Gaelic language, culture and heritage."

Board Chair Archie Macdonald added: "On behalf of the Board of Management of the College can I say how pleased we are to have Sue take on this senior role. We are all going through challenging times at present and the education sector is no exception. So it is vital that we have someone to lead the College who has a strong background in this sector matched with wide-ranging experience to ensure that the College continues to deliver a high quality education experience for students and helps create a workforce that meets the present and future needs of the local community and economy."