Background
Niven, Alastair Neil Robertson was born on February 25, 1944 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Son of Harold Robertson and Elizabeth Isobel Robertson (Mair) Niven.
Niven, Alastair Neil Robertson was born on February 25, 1944 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Son of Harold Robertson and Elizabeth Isobel Robertson (Mair) Niven.
Master of Arts, University Cambridge, England, 1966. Master of Arts, University Ghana, 1968. Doctor of Philosophy, University Leeds, England, 1972.
Lecturer University Ghana, 1968-1969, University Leeds, England, 1969-1970, University Stirling, 1970-1978. Director general Africa Centre, London, 1978-1984. Chapman fellow Institute Commonwealth Studies, 1984-1985.
Special assistant secretary general Association Commonwealth University, 1985-1987. Director literature Arts Council Great Britain, 1987-1994, Arts Council England, 1994-1997, British Council, 1997-2001. Principal King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Foundation of St. Catharine's, Windsor, England, since 2001.
Chairman United Kingdom Council Overseas Student Affairs, 1987-1992. Member Booker Prize Judges, United Kingdom, 1994.
Married Helen Margaret Trow. Children: Isabella, Alexander.