A BAFTA-NOMINATED film and television producer has been appointed the first chair of creative industries at the University of Highlands and Islands.
Professor Robin MacPherson will take up the post in August and will be based at Shetland College.
A key part of his job will be to "foster and strengthen links with cultural businesses and organisations across the Highlands and Islands to support the region's creative economy and develop opportunities for students and staff".
Professor MacPherson has been working in the creative industries since 1980, and has produced several documentaries, current affairs programmes and dramas.
These include the Bafta-nominated drama, The Butterfly Man, and the Scottish Bafta-nominated Tree Fellers.
He established Screen Academy Scotland in 2005 and joins the University of the Highlands and Islands from Edinburgh Napier University, where he is currently director of its Institute for Creative Industries.
Professor MacPherson said he was keen to support the "vibrant creative sector both in Shetland and across the Highlands and Islands".
He said: "From new course development to partnering in research and knowledge exchange, there are fantastic opportunities for collaboration with the cultural and creative sector and I'm really looking forward to making new connections from Shetland right across the University of the Highlands and Islands network."
Professor Clive Mulholland, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: "The university already has a strong portfolio of creative subjects, including music, art, drama, craft and textile courses.
"Professor MacPherson will be a valuable asset in developing our scholarship in this area, in positioning the university as a centre of creative excellence and in supporting the Highlands and Islands' creative industries."
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