James M. Fraser

James Mackenzie Fraser (born July 1948) is a former university administrator who was the first principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, in the north of Scotland. He held senior management roles in Scottish educational institutions for over 23 years, working at three colleges that went on to achieve University status.

Early life and education Fraser was born in July 1948. He was brought up in Inverinate, near Kyle of Lochalsh, he was educated at Plockton High School in Ross-shire under the reign of Sorley MacLean, the Scottish Gaelic poet. Fraser studied at the University of Edinburgh and graduated in 1971 with a MA honours summa cum laude in mental philosophy, having also been a class medallist in moral philosophy and metaphysics. In January 2007 his post was redesignated as deputy principal-secretary of UHI. Fraser became UHI principal in October 2009, following the retirement of Professor Robert (Bob) Cormack. In February 2011 the UHI was awarded university title and became the University of the Highlands and Islands.

While in this position Fraser spoke about the need to consider alternatives to traditional models of educating students. Speaking to Times Higher Education he said: “Our networked delivery and technology must bring a social enrichment to learning that overcomes the constraints imposed on our students by geography.” He gave the University's Christmas lecture in December 2013. before he retiring as principal.

He was a member of the Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education, set up by Scottish Government and COSLA which published a report in April 2013.

Honours He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to higher education in Scotland and to the Free Church of Scotland.