Universities Scotland was formed in 1992 as the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals (COSHEP) adopting its current name in 2000, when Universities UK was also formed. It represents 19 autonomous higher education institutions, 16 of them with University status and three other higher education institutions in Scotland. The Convener serves a two-year term of office. As of 2022, this post is held by Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, principal of the University of Stirling, while Alastair Sim has served as the organization's Director since 2009.