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The Free Church Moderator, Reverend Dr Iain D Campbell, was one of 500 guests as the University of the Highlands and Islands installed its first Chancellor, HRH Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

The historic event was held in Inverness Cathedral on Thursday 7 June, almost a year after the University had been given its status.

The ceremony was introduced and presided over by Professor Matthew Maciver, Chair of the University Court.

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, James Fraser, who is also Chairman of the Free Church Board of Trustees, addressed the gathering and spoke of the nature of the office of Chancellor with its roots in the ecclesiastical traditions of Europe.

He then formally installed the Princess Royal in that role, and she was presented with her specially crafted gown.

Above: Board of Trustees Chairman James Fraser with Dr Campbell

Honorary Fellowships were awarded to Free Church elder Colin Mackay, who had served as Chair of the Board of Governors of the University, and to Professor Robert Cormack, who had been Chief Executive of the UHI Millennium Institute, the predecessor of the new university.

The Moderator also had the opportunity to speak with the Right Reverend Albert Bogle (pictured below), Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, who attended with his wife Martha.

Dr Campbell said that he was honoured to be present on this historic occasion, not least because the new university had a campus virtually co-extensive with the presence of the Free Church in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

He also counted it a privilege to be associated with fellow Free Churchmen Professor Maciver, Mr Fraser and Mr MacKay, all of whom had contributed significantly to the development of the university.

The Moderator expressed his hope that young people from the Highlands and Islands would take full advantage of the opportunities for higher learning on their doorstep, that others would be attracted to study in the most beautiful campus in Britain, and that all, whatever their age, would find fulfilment in the enlightenment that education and study bring.