Neil Cowie

Neil was born and brought up in ‘Little Scotland’ (Corby, Northants) but moved to Buckie, Moray in his early teens. 8 years after this relocation Neil graduated with an honors degree in Sociology from the University of Aberdeen. His first ‘proper job’ was as a seasonal sales assistant in a Union Street record shop. Shortly afterward he was promoted to Assistant Manager, working in the company’s Aberdeen and Dundee stores. Long-standing public service ambitions eventually led him to a 9-year career in social housing. In that time he worked for several social housing providers in various roles ranging from temporary Rent Arrears Assistant to Area Housing Manager. During his housing career, Neil gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Housing Studies from Sheffield Hallam University as well as Corporate Membership of Chartered Institute of Housing (CIOH). He was also a member of the Branch Committee of the CIOH in Scotland.

Passionate about education and keen to try teaching, Neil applied for a vacancy at Banff and Buchan College and in December 1999 began working there as a Lecturer in Sociology. Over the following 13 years, Neil held several posts within the College namely Schools Liaison Officer, Curriculum Leader (Social Sciences, ESOL and Core Skills), Sector Manager (Social Studies and Creative Arts), and Assistant Principal (Curriculum and Quality). At its inception Neil joined North East Scotland College (NESCol) as Vice Principal and was, over time, to hold senior management responsibility for most of the College’s support-related operational areas. Neil has also held senior management responsibility for all the College’s curriculum, Business, and Community Development, and quality-related activities. Neil retains an active interest in quality improvement and has been a long-standing Associate Assessor with Education Scotland. In December 2019, Neil became NESCol’s Principal and Chief Executive, 20 years after he first started his College career. He remains a strong advocate for further education and continues to champion its ability to transform and improve the life chances of many.