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This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007

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Appointment extension for NHS Health Scotland

22/03/2005

Health Minister Andy Kerr today announced the extension of Cllr William Howatson's appointment as a Member of the Board of NHS Health Scotland.

Cllr Bill Howatson is a newspaper columnist and commentator on rural affairs with a background in daily and weekly journalism. He is currently a main board member of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, for which he receives an annual remuneration of £6,027. He is also a councillor with Aberdeenshire council where he chairs the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee and the North East of Scotland Agricultural Advisory Group. He was formerly a member of the Health Education Board for Scotland and has served on NHS Health Scotland as vice chair since its inception in 2003.

Cllr Howatson's extension will be for a period of 6 months, from 1 April 2005 to 31 October 2005.

As a Member, Cllr Howatson will contribute around 3 days a month for which the annual remuneration is £5,215.

NHS Health Scotland's main objective is to work with others to take action to protect and improve the health and well being of everyone living in Scotland.

This Ministerial appointment was made in accordance with Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS) Code of Practice.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public. Within the last 5 years, Cllr Howatson has obtained office as a Local Councillor, stood as a Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate at the 1999 and 2003 local government elections and has canvassed and spoken on behalf of the above party.

Page updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2005