Alison Wilson

Alison serves as the Director of Economic Development and Advancement at UHI, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering collaborations that drive the university’s mission forward. Her leadership focuses on leveraging UHI’s resources to create economic development opportunities while enhancing the university’s philanthropic and external presence within its stakeholder networks. Alison works strategically with industry, businesses, Government, and public sector organisations to reinforce UHI’s role as an anchor institution in the regions we serve, facilitating innovative partnerships, enterprise initiatives, and income-generating ventures.

In particular, Alison leads UHI’s involvement in key regional growth initiatives, including the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and investments in renewable infrastructure. Her extensive career has always centred around relationship-building, and in her current role, she engages with various stakeholders—industry partners, Government bodies, charitable trusts, foundations, and alumni—who support UHI's contributions to student opportunities and research excellence.

With over 25 years’ experience in economic development, Alison has held roles in skills development, telecommunications, and leadership within Highlands and Islands Enterprise, where she managed financial and business services, inward investment, and business engagement. Her significant contributions to the customer service profession within the financial and business services sector earned her the prestigious National Women of Influence Award from the Customer Contact Association.

Alison also serves as a Director of New Start Highland, a Trustee of the Port of Inverness, and Co-Chair of the Highlands and Islands branch of the Institute of Directors. A passionate advocate for the North of Scotland, she has led numerous initiatives to showcase the region on both national and international platforms.