NAPIER University has crossed Edinburgh for its next principal.

Professor John Mavor is to succeed Professor William Turmeau, who

oversaw Napier's transition from a higher education technological

institution to a university.

Professor Mavor, Provost of Science and Engineering at Edinburgh

University, said yesterday: ''Napier has developed a distinctive mission

in serving the widest needs of commerce and industry.

''I intend to build on these achievements and strengthen the academic

stature and quality of the university by drawing on my experience gained

in a sister Edinburgh institution.''

Mr Tony Bridge, chairman of the university court, praised Professor

Mavor's achievements in research and teaching and his international

experience in commerce and industry.

Professor Mavor, who was born in Ayrshire, graduated from City

University in London, and joined Edinburgh University after five years

in industry. He is married with twin daughters.