Public appointment: Chairs reappointed to the Boards of Management of Dumfries and Galloway and Borders Colleges

The Minister for Higher and Further Education, Ben Macpherson MSP, today announced the reappointment of Caroline Stuart as Chair of the Board of Management of Dumfries and Galloway College and of Ray McCowan as Chair of the Board of Management of Borders College.

Chairs

Caroline Stuart is a Technology and Business Studies graduate who began her career in the City of London, training as an Investment Analyst. After returning to Scotland, she moved into business consultancy before joining Oracle, where she spent 16 years as a Global Industry Advisor. She currently chairs Dumfries and Galloway College and has served on numerous boards and committees across the skills and education landscape, including the Scottish Funding Council and Skills Development Scotland, and previously as Chair of e-Skills Scotland. Caroline has also been a Commissioner on both the Widening Access and Makes Maths Count Commissions, and was a member of the Scottish Police Authority until 2025.

Ray McCowan worked in the college sector for over 20 years between 1995 and 2016 working as a Lecturer, Learning Manager, Assistant Principal and Vice Principal focussing mainly on the curriculum, learning and teaching, the student experience and latterly strategic planning. Ray also brings a wider education perspective to the Chair role through his Executive Leadership role with the WEA, a UK wide education charity providing opportunities for the most disadvantaged, his contribution to the leadership and development of the Adult Learning Strategy for Scotland 2022-2027 and as a former Board member of Education Scotland.   

Reappointments

The reappointments will be for 4 years and will run from 1 February 2026 to 31 January 2030.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration

The reappointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £211 a day for a time commitment of 2 days per week.

Other ministerial appointments

Caroline Stuart and Ray McCowan do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity 

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.   

Caroline Stuart and Ray McCowan have had no political activity within the last five years. 

Dumfries and Galloway College

Dumfries and Galloway College is a further education institution and a leading voice in green skills development to help tackle climate change. With campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer, they are one of the main employers and providers of learning and training across the South of Scotland, with programmes ranging from senior-phase school partnerships to higher education. They strive to equip all members of our college community with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience they need to get ahead, whether that’s moving further into education or going onto employment.

Borders College

Borders College delivers a broad range of full time and part time courses across its main Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels, its specialist Landbased Campus in Newtown St Boswells, and the Construction Hub at Tweedbank. These campuses offer high quality facilities and industry aligned learning environments designed to meet regional skills needs.
The Newtown St Boswells Campus is a recognised centre of excellence, providing access to industry specialists, practical training areas and dedicated learning resources. Alongside its main sites, the college also operates community based learning centres throughout the Borders, offering tailored programmes for local businesses and flexible part time learning opportunities for individuals across the region.