Professor King, (PhD Microbiology) vice-chancellor of Abertay University, Dundee, will be regarded as a controversial appointment, given his outspoken views including public claims of funding bias favouring Scotland's older universities and criticism of the Scottish Funding Council's proposed changes to the way in which university subjects are funded.(Right) Anton Muscatelli, Principal of Glasgow University.

Professor King will hold the high-profile post for a fixed term of two years until July 2012, which will involve him representing universities, for example, in talks with the Scottish Government.

Astutue observer Professor Anthony Cohen, (left)  the former principal of the new university contingent, Queen Margaret University, described it as an outstanding appointment. 

"It is time the university sector was led by somebody who tells it as it is." Cohen points out that the appointment is made by election by other principals. "So he obviously has the support from across the university sector."