THE University of Abertay in Dundee has appointed a new principal and vice-chancellor.

Professor Nigel Seaton, a former vice-principal of the University of Edinburgh, will take up the role on August 20. His appointment follows months of feuding between the university and its longest serving principal, Professor Bernard King, who became locked in an age-discrimination employment tribunal when he was suspended.

The parties settled the dispute in July last year when Mr King retired.

Mr Seaton, 51, who was born in Falkirk, said: "It is an honour to be appointed Principal of the University of Abertay Dundee.

"I look forward to working with colleagues, and with our students, to build on Abertay's record of success in education, research and knowledge transfer, and to joining the wider community in the city of Dundee."

He has previously been employed as senior deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Surrey and is a former vice-principal of the University of Edinburgh.

Nigel Hawkins, the university's Chair of Court, paid tribute to the acting principal Professor Nicholas Terry, who he said had taken on the role with "distinction through challenging times".

He said: "The whole university community is deeply indebted to him."