Alistair Dodds CBE to receive Honorary Doctorate from UHI for service to the Highlands and Islands

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) will award one of its highest honours, an honorary doctorate, to Alistair Dodds CBE in recognition of his contribution to public service, regional development, and the communities of the Highlands and Islands.

A respected public servant and former Chair of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), Alistair has dedicated more than three decades to championing the economic, social, and cultural wellbeing of the region.

After 12 years in senior management roles within The Highland Council, he became Chief Executive in 2007, leading one of Scotland’s largest local authorities through a period of major change. During this time, he strengthened public services, drove reform, and promoted collaboration across the public, private, and third sectors, ensuring local democracy remained rooted in the needs of communities.

In 2014, he joined the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), serving as Depute Chair and Chair of the Risk and Assurance Committee before being appointed Chair in 2020. Under his leadership at HIE, Alistair played a key role in establishing the Regional Economic Partnership, which has shaped the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation across the Highlands and Islands.

He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for services to local government in Scotland, and a Joint Honorary Fellowship from UHI for his work on the integration of health and social care in the Highlands.

Alistair said:

“I have been involved with the development of the University of the Highlands and Islands at various points since 1996, and this award, which came as a wonderful surprise, is a great honour for me and one which I will cherish. It recognises the work of the organisations I have been most involved with, the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and also of all our private, public and third sector partners and communities across the Highlands and Islands.”

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor said:

“Alistair has exemplified the values at the heart of our university: partnership, opportunity for all, and belief in the transformative power of education, enterprise and community. His lifelong dedication to this region and its people has made an enduring impact. He has consistently focused on improving the lives and opportunities of people across the Highlands and Islands. We are proud to recognise his achievements with this honorary doctorate.”