The Principal of the University of Aberdeen has been appointed onto one of the country's most important cultural bodies.
Professor C Duncan Rice, Vice-Chancellor of the University, has joined a number of distinguished members on the Scotland Committee of the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The HLF uses Lottery money to protect and improve historic buildings, objects and the environment of the United Kingdom . Around £300 million has been invested in Scotland so far on a wide variety of projects. The Committee for Scotland decides on all grants in Scotland up to the value of £2 million.
Professor Rice has long established cultural connections and is currently on the Boards of Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet. The Principal spent six years as an elected member on the Council of the National Trust. He also belonged to the Iona Cathedral Trust and was Chairman of the Newbattle Abbey Trust.
Professor Rice said: “To my mind no issues are more important to the health of our democracy than the maintenance and strengthening of our built, natural and cultural heritage, and the access to all three by the whole range of our population.
“The Heritage Lottery Fund has already made a huge difference in these areas and I am delighted to have the opportunity to play my part in protecting Scotland 's heritage.”
Bridget McConnell, Director of Cultural and Leisure Services with Glasgow City Council, and Dr Brian Lang, Principal of the University of St Andrews , are the other two new recruits to the Scotland Committee, which is chaired by Sir Angus Grossart.