The first principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands Professor James Fraser has been made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The 65-year-old from Kiltarlity, near Inverness, was commended for his services to higher education and the Free Church of Scotland.
Prof Fraser, who retired from the university in December, said he was “delighted” with the accolade.
He said it was recognition of what a “great project” the institution is and all the “hard work” of everyone involved in making it a success.
“I was the very first principal of the university and it was an honour and a privilege to do that, particularly because I am from the Highlands,” he added.
Prof Fraser, who is married with three grown up children, joined what was then the UHI Millennium Institute as Secretary in September 2002.
He was appointed deputy principal in 2007 and two years later succeeded Professor Robert Cormack as principal.
Prof Fraser became principal and vice-chancellor when the institution secured university status in February 2011.
Professor Matthew MacIver, chairman of the university court, said: “Through his experience and leadership, James made a major contribution to the success of the university as an essential part of the social, cultural and economic infrastructure of the Highlands and islands.”
Prof Fraser is chairman of the trustees of the Free Church of Scotland and a elder within the Kiltarlity congregation.
A spokesman for the Free Church of Scotland said it his honour was “richly deserved” and members were “completely thrilled” for him.
He said Prof Fraser’s “bold and courageous decisions” have made the Church much more streamlined and fit-for-purpose as a organisation.
