Dear colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that the University has sadly been informed of the sudden death of former University Vice-Principal Bryan MacGregor.
Professor MacGregor will be remembered as a popular figure across the University having held senior positions in both Arts and Social Sciences and Physical Sciences.
He joined the University in 1990 as the MacRobert Chair in Land Economy. Educated at Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Cambridge universities, and at the College of Estate Management, he held professional qualifications in surveying (MRICS) and planning (MRTPI).
Prior to his academic life, Professor MacGregor worked as a research manager for Prudential Portfolio Managers in London, before becoming a lecturer at the Universities of Reading and Glasgow, and a research assistant for the Scottish Office Central Research Unit.
From 2003-2019, he was a Vice-Principal with portfolios covering Arts and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, Curriculum Reform, and Research. He was also Head of the Business School from 2017 to 2019.
Professor MacGregor’s primary research interests were in property economics and finance, and he had a global reputation for the rigour of his research. He was editor of the Journal of Property Research for 35 years, establishing the journal as the leading European journal in real estate.
Outside work he was a devoted family man and a keen hillwalker. He had a love for the Gaelic language and was a Director of Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye, the national centre for the Gaelic language.
Professor Norman Hutchison said: “Bryan was a friend and mentor to many across the academic community and his sudden death at the age of 71, while on a walking holiday in Wales, will be mourned by all who knew him.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Peter Edwards
Vice-Principal (Regional Engagement) & Acting Senior Vice-Principal