Board of Governors Profiles

Maggie Tierney - Chair

Maggie is a retired CEO of a chain of outdoor nursery providers in rural towns across Scotland including Oban in Argyll. She has over 15 years experience of senior public policy leadership from her roles in the Scottish Government including on child protection, additional support for learning, development of the early years sector and school-age education strategy and performance. Maggie has previously worked as a social researcher in various academic roles in universities in Dublin, Norway (Alta) and Edinburgh. She lives in Edinburgh with her family and is a frequent visitor to Argyll.

Heather Stevenson - Vice Chair

Heather has over 30 years experience in the field of Human Resources, specialising in Employee and Industrial Relations, Equalities and Diversity, and Reward and Remuneration. Her experience was gained in a variety of different public sector organisations, including the NHS, Local Government and the Care Commission/Inspectorate. She joined the college sector in 2013 and since 2016 she has played a key role in the National Bargaining arena. Latterly she held the position of Director of Employment Services with Colleges Scotland, from which she has recently retired.

Joe Wright - Principal & Chief Executive

Joe worked for 25 years in various roles within the Department for Work and Pensions across Glasgow and the Highlands. These roles involved the management of jobcentres, social security offices or teams and, latterly, the implementation of a new Human Resources service across the Highlands and Islands. 

Joe moved to the far North in 2009 to work for North Highland College as HR Manager and moved to UHI Argyll in 2021 as Head of HR & OD. Joe has recently taken up the role of Principal, with a remit to help steer the college through the UHI Transformation project. 

Nathan Tyler - Principal & Chief Executive

Nathan joins UHI Argyll as Principal and CEO, bringing a passion for creating outstanding learner experiences and helping students realise their full potential. From the newsroom to the classroom, he has always believed in the power of informing, explaining and inspiring people to learn.

Originally from Inverness, Nathan began his career in broadcast journalism with Reuters and Sky News, where he helped shape the transition to a digital-first news service. He went on to lead digital transformation and modernisation programmes at STV News and at BFBS, where he helped establish the ground-breaking Forces Media Academy, giving veterans the chance to retrain and build new careers in the media.

Since returning to Scotland, Nathan has held senior leadership roles in broadcasting, industry and most recently, at West College Scotland, where as Director of Student Experience, Engagement and Communications he helped shape opportunities for tens of thousands of learners. His career reflects a strong belief in the power of education, innovation and lifelong learning to transform lives and communities.

Beppo Buchanan-Smith 

After 25 years building a family business from a small seasonal hotel to an all year round Hospitality operation with international acclaim and success employing 60 members of staff Beppo was approached to sell his business and moved on to establish a hospitality consultancy operation. Having gained much from the industry over the years it was created with the aim of setting out to help others in the industry meet their full potential. It has accessed his knowledge of hands on operations, sales and marketing and financial controls and has developed a niche in assisting assess feasibly and transform new openings.

Throughout his career the development and evolution of the teams have centred round their growth and education and this has led to interactions with a wide variety of organisations in a wide range of roles and remits from establishing a business as a Centre for Vocational Qualifications to lecturing to Students on operational hospitality and assisting in the assessment of students. Beppo served for many years as a Trustee of the Cross Trust an educational Trust established to assist deserving young Scots access opportunities to fulfil their aspiration and potential. 

Beppo is a Master Innholder, Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and holds the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holder. Having lived much of his life north of Oban in Argyll, Beppo is acutely aware of the challenges not only retaining communities in rural Scotland but also attracting young people to live there and insuring that their access to educational opportunities are not handicapped by geographical location.

Carina Walsh 

Carina is currently Operations Director at an M&A advisory firm, overseeing global operations while remaining firmly rooted in Scotland. With more than 15 years’ experience across strategy, business development and mid-market M&A, she has supported leadership teams throughout the UK and Europe to shape growth plans, evaluate market opportunities and strengthen organisational focus. Her work blends a broad strategic outlook with clear, practical delivery.

Alongside her corporate role, Carina has mentored a wide range of SMEs on strategy, leadership and investment readiness, giving her a strong understanding of the needs and ambitions of local businesses and communities. She is particularly adept at helping organisations break down complex issues and turn them into workable plans.

Carina is an equestrian enthusiast and an active member of her local high-school parent book group, reflecting her commitment to community life and lifelong learning.

Iain Jurgensen

Iain is the Managing Director of Portavadie Loch Fyne, a resort in Argyll committed to the delivery of outstanding hospitality experiences by a passionate, skilled and career focussed team. Iain is the current Chair of Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative and Vice Chair of Developing the Young Workforce Argyll. Iain has over 30 years industry experience and believes success comes from developing individuals and teams. Portavadie successfully partnered with UHI Argyll in developing the innovative Accelerated Hospitality Leadership Program. Iain will provide industry insight to the board, highlighting opportunities within the tourism and hospitality sector to support its continued growth through continuous learning and development of its people.

John Dow

John is the Head of Finance at Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park, one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. With a career in Finance of 30 years, working in a broad range of industries, John brings a breadth of financial knowledge and understanding of the key financial processes and controls required to allow organisations to excel.

John has extensive experience in long-term planning and strategy, audit, asset management, and team development. Having lived in Argyll for most of his life, John is acutely aware of the challenges faced by its population, and the importance of providing relevant education and training to allow an individual to achieve their potential.

Lucy Neilson 

Lucy is a Chartered Management Accountant with 20 years experience in the not for profit sector spanning across charities and social housing. Currently, Lucy is Director of Operations at includem, a Scottish charity supporting children, young people and families across Scotland.

Lucy brings key specialist experience in governance, financial budgeting, monitoring and long-term forecasting, risk management and strategy development. Lucy has previously served on the board of a housing association and acted as company secretary for two organisations.

Lucy is passionate about providing opportunities in a way that is supportive, inclusive and meets the student’s needs. With connections to the Isle of Bute she is familiar with the challenges rural and island communities face in accessing services.

Martin Waterhouse 

Martin is an accomplished senior leader with over 30 years’ experience across the renewable energy, marine and aquaculture sectors. Based in Argyll, he has led complex, multi-site operations, consistently strengthening profitability, regulatory compliance and overall operational performance. He has a strong track record of transforming underperforming organisations into sustainable, resilient and commercially successful businesses.

As Quality and Business Improvement Manager at Renewable Parts Ltd, Martin leads the company’s Quality, Environmental and Health & Safety systems, maintaining ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 accreditation. He drives continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, reduce risk and embed a culture of accountability and excellence. A qualified Lean practitioner, he brings expertise in strategic planning, governance, performance management and risk oversight.

Martin is passionate about mentoring young people, developing future leaders and supporting skills growth within rural communities. His board and executive experience provide valuable insight into governance, sustainability and regional economic development.

Dr. Pauldy Otermans

Dr. Pauldy Otermans is an award-winning UK-based technology leader, neuroscientist, and psychologist, working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and technology. In 2021, she received an award from the UK Prime Minister for her work, followed by further international accolades, including recently being named one of KPMG’s Tech 100 Women in October 2025, a Global Leader in AI by Women in Management in 2025, and the Digital Titan at the ISG Women in Digital Awards EMEA 2026.

In 2021, Pauldy helped pioneer OIAI, among the first digital human teachers powered by artificial intelligence, advancing the use of AI to transform teaching and learning. She has served as Topic Editor for Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence and regularly publishes in peer-reviewed academic journals on AI in Education. Through her research, academic leadership, and technological innovation, she continues to shape the future of AI-powered education.

Most recently, she was appointed by UHI Moray as the academic lead at the Business Enterprise Hub as part of the Moray Growth Deal.

Dr. Vic Boyd

Dr. Vic Boyd has more than two decades of experience across the tertiary education sector, having held a range of teaching, research and educational development roles.

Her work centres on strengthening the conditions that support student success, including the development of digital capability, the integration of academic literacies within the curriculum, the enhancement of learner confidence and agency, and the promotion of academic integrity as a positive and contextualised educational practice. A commitment to equitable, accessible and digitally enabled education continues to underpin her professional ethos.

Vic is currently Head of the Learning and Teaching Academy at City of Glasgow College, where she leads the Learning Innovation and Development and Learning Technology teams. She is a Senior Fellow of both Advance HE and the Association for Learning Development in Higher Education, is a Section Editor for the  Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, and co-leads the QAA STEP project exploring staff development needs across the tertiary sector.

Paul Wylie - Non-Teaching Staff Director

Paul has worked at UHI Argyll for over eight years in roles including lecturing, student support, and ICT. His cross-departmental experience gives him a strong understanding of both academic and support staff needs. Prior to joining the college, Paul spent nearly two decades in the maritime industry, including 12 years as Master of a passenger ferry, developing leadership, strategic planning, and risk management skills.

Elected to the Board to represent staff interests, Paul brings a practical, day-to-day perspective from his ICT role, helping to connect governance with operational realities. He is passionate about using technology to improve efficiency and access to education, and is particularly interested in UHI’s Transformation project.

Having lived in Campbeltown for over 45 years, Paul understands the communities UHI Argyll serves and values its community-first approach to education. This deep connection to place and people is what motivates his ongoing commitment to the college’s mission.

Kerry Roake - Teaching Staff Director 

Kerry has worked at UHI Argyll for over ten years as a hairdressing lecturer, teaching Skills for Work classes at Hermitage Academy. She also serves as the EIS Branch Secretary for UHI Argyll. These roles give her a strong understanding of both student needs and staff support, as well as the ability to work effectively with people across roles and age groups.

Before joining UHI Argyll, Kerry ran her own successful hairdressing business and later moved into aviation, becoming an onboard cabin manager. This involved recruitment, training, customer service and working in a fast‑paced, time‑critical environment. As a Staff Director on the Board, she brings this blend of industry experience, teaching insight and day‑to‑day engagement with colleagues and students. Her ability to consider multiple viewpoints helps her understand the needs of the business, staff and learners, and she believes in positive communication, practical action and solution‑focused decision‑making.

Kerry is passionate about further education and its importance in rural areas like Argyll. Having lived in Helensburgh most of her life, she has seen the positive impact UHI Argyll has on people of all ages and backgrounds. She looks forward to helping protect the college and its services for future generations.

Outside work, Kerry enjoys time with her horse and dog, gardening, and has been a beekeeper for over ten years, mentoring new keepers across Argyll.

Timothy (Tsz Chung) Tang - Student Representative Director

Timothy is the elected HISA Argyll Depute President and a full-time third-year undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business and Leisure Management at UHI Argyll. Dedicated to student advocacy and active representation, Timothy brings a strong background in community leadership, governance, and project coordination to the Board of Management. Before taking on his current student officer role, he co-founded and actively led prominent community organisations in Scotland, gaining extensive hands-on experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and operational management. Passionate about enhancing the student experience, championing accessibility, and fostering a collaborative academic environment, Timothy is deeply committed to ensuring that the diverse voices of UHI Argyll students are effectively represented at the highest institutional levels. He looks forward to contributing his practical insights, action-oriented mindset, and community-focused perspective to support the ongoing growth, strategic vision, and overall success of the institution for all learners.