PROFESSOR Anton Muscatelli has announced his retirement from the position of principal and vice chancellor of the University of Glasgow.

After an association with the university for over 40 years – as student, lecturer, professor and then senior leader – Muscatelli is not seeking a further term as principal.

He will continue in the role until a successor is in place, allowing for a potential handover in September 2025.

In a letter to staff and students, Muscatelli said that by the time he retires he will have been in the role of principal for 16 years and feels it is the right time to step back and enable a new person to lead the university.

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Muscatelli said: “When I was re-appointed to a third term as principal, I did make it clear to the university that I would not be seeking a fourth term. By the time I formally retire in 2025, I will have served 16 years as principal and over 20 years in university senior management.

“The University of Glasgow is in a very strong position and has built an excellent reputation as a proud civic and international institution, with a talented community and world-class research and innovation.

"It’s an exciting time for a new principal to come forward and lead our institution through the next chapter at an important time for the sector.

“There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming months for me to reflect and thank all of the colleagues, students, friends and stakeholders who have shaped my tenure as principal.

"I feel this is the right time to step back from my current role, to enjoy retirement and continue to be a loyal supporter of our institution, albeit from a new and different perspective.”

The professor was also previously Nicola Sturgeon’s chief Brexit adviser as chairman of the then-first minister’s Standing Council on Europe.