SIR Muir Russell, formerly Scotland's top civil servant, is stepping down as the principal of Glasgow University next year.
Russell, who was the head of the civil service north of the border during the ill-starred Holyrood project, has headed the university since 2006.
When he took up his appointment, the former mandarin began a radical restructuring programme
to cut costs at the formerly loss-making university. He has also had a tense relationship with staff unions at the institution. Earlier this month, the university rose to 20th in a UK-wide league table of universities, a jump of 11 places.
He has also played a leading role in the university sector in Scotland, taking up the post of convener of Universities Scotland, the body that represents principals.
Joy Travers, vice-chair of the university's ruling court, said: "He has been an outstanding principal. Over the past six years he has taken the university forward strongly on all levels and he will leave a sound academic and financial foundation for his successor."
Russell, whose tenure at the Scottish Executive coincided with the Scottish Parliament project ballooning in costs from £40m to £430m, took over at a difficult time for Glasgow University.
Russell's overhaul saw the university lose 240 staff, making savings of £10m
Russell was the centre of controversy last year when it emerged that he had accepted a £23,000 pay rise – an increase of more than five times the rate of inflation.
As part of his pension arrangements from his civil service career, Russell, 59, will pocket a one-off payment of £215,000 at 60. He can also expect an annual pension of £65,000 when he turns 65.
The full article contains 289 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
