Jill Elder, Depute Principal

Jill returned to UHI Perth in December 2025 bringing valuable external insight and renewed perspective after spending 18 months as a Project Manager in the agritourism sector, an innovative and rapidly growing area in Scotland.

In this role, she led a national learning and development programme supporting more than 400 agritourism enterprises, working closely with businesses and stakeholders to build skills, capacity and sustainable growth across the sector.

Prior to this, Jill spent nearly 20 years at UHI Perth in a wide range of curriculum and leadership roles. Most recently, she served as Sector Development Director, where she played a key role in shaping curriculum strategy, employer engagement and sector-focused growth. Jill is committed to student and staff success and achieves this through collaborative and inclusive leadership.

With significant experience in further and higher education and a strong track record in leadership, partnership working and curriculum development, Jill is focused on growing the positive contribution that UHI Perth makes to both the local community and regional economy through engagement with our stakeholders.