The University of Stirling has appointed Hamish Grossart as its new university Chair of Court. He will officially take up the post in August 2025.
Grossart was educated at Glasgow Academy and the University of Stirling and has experience as a trustee of an architectural conservation charity. He currently lives and owns land in Fife, as well as being a director of Scottish Land and Estates.
He has been a lay member of the University Court from 2017.
Grossart is also known as a high-profile Scottish businessman, with over 35 years of boardroom experience. Much of this experience is in oil and gas exploration and production, as well as lending and investment banking.
Grossart in his election statement outlined that he would like to see a “greater focus on Stirling’s student experience, more support for students experiencing hardship [and] priority given to health, well-being and sport.” He believes that his background in business will equip him to lead the Court.
Financial hardship is an ongoing issue for Stirling students. There have been a number of student campaigns and demonstrations on campus – namely about rent increases and food insecurity. The university’s own community food project aims to tackle student food issues.
His past deputy chairmanships include Capricorn Energy (formerly Cairn Energy), British Polythene Industries, and Scottish Radio Holdings. Grossart is also a member of the Fife Hunting Club.
The University of Stirling states on its website: “The University has a Strategic Plan which sets out its direction through to 2030, and the Chair will work closely with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and other University stakeholders in helping to ensure its implementation and delivery.”
The University Court governs the strategic direction for the university overall. The head of the Court is entrusted to guide the values of the institution, as well as protect the welfare of students and staff.
A Students’ Union spokesperson responded to the result: “The Officer team look forward to working constructively with the new Chair to ensure students at the University remain central to decision making. From housing to facilities, teaching provision to support, now more than ever, we must work together with the consideration of students at the heart of all University decision making.”
Having won the election, Hamish Grossart will serve the University as Chair for an initial period of four years.
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling.
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