Campbeltown Courier

Developmen­t agency seeks two new board members

People with a strong commitment to the future of the Highlands and Islands are being invited to apply to join the board of the region’s developmen­t agency.

Scottish ministers are looking to fill two non-executive director positions on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) board, with the new appointees expected to start three-year terms in April.

With around 300 staff based across the Highlands and Islands, HIE is an ambitious organisati­on with a vital role in supporting businesses and communitie­s to build a greener, fairer and more resilient region that benefits everyone and makes a strong contributi­on to Scotland.

The agency operates throughout a geographic­ally diverse region that covers more than half of the Scottish land mass, including all 94 inhabited islands, and is home to around 470,000 people.

Its current five-year strategy, launched in August 2023, sets out a vision for a leading net zero region with a dynamic wellbeing economy and is aligned with the Scottish Government’s National Strategy for Economic Transforma­tion and the New

Deal for Business. Responsibl­e for setting strategic direction, key decision-making and effective governance, the 12-member board encompasse­s a range of skills, knowledge and experience that reflect the diversity of the region and the breadth of HIE’s remit.

“This is a fantastic opportunit­y to join the board of an ambitious organisati­on with a vital role in supporting businesses and communitie­s across the Highlands and Islands,” said Alistair Dodds CBE, HIE chairperso­n.

“It’s important our board encompasse­s a range of skills, knowledge and experience to reflect the diversity of our region and the economic and community developmen­t opportunit­ies and challenges that exist in this part of Scotland.

“As a board, we have a diverse range of background­s and experience and at least two things in common: our passion for the Highlands and Islands and our commitment to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and prosperity of everyone who lives here. On this occasion, we’re particular­ly keen to hear from people with knowledge and experience in natural capital, energy and property.”

All candidates will be expected to have a close affinity with the Highlands and Islands and a strong awareness of opportunit­ies and challenges facing businesses and communitie­s across the region.

Scottish ministers particular­ly welcome applicatio­ns from women, people with disabiliti­es, LGBT+ people, people from ethnic minority communitie­s and people aged under 50.

Members of the HIE board are expected to devote two days per month to the role, although this is currently under review. Full details are available on the Public Appointmen­ts Scotland website.