This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd
16/03/2007
Transport Minister Tavish Scott today announced the appointment of Mr David F Sutherland CBE as the new Chair of the Board of Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), in succession to Mr Sandy Matheson, who stepped down at the end of February after six years with the company.
Mr Scott said:
"This is an important role, and I am delighted to appoint David as the new chair. His strong business background, impressive local knowledge, and proven leadership skills will be of great benefit to HIAL and the people of the Highlands and Islands.
"He has a tough act to follow in Sandy Matheson who has done a great job over the last six years. However, there is no doubt that David is just the man to take that challenge on. I am sure he will do a fantastic job."
Mr Sutherland is Executive Chair of Tulloch Limited, one of Scotland's leading house builders and developers. A qualified chartered accountant, Mr Sutherland has a very strong track record in the private sector and brings considerable commercial and financial experience to his new role. He is also a Director of a variety of other organisations. He has extensive experience in the construction sector within the Highlands and Islands. Mr Sutherland lives in Inverness.
Mr Sutherland said:
"I consider this appointment a great honour and look forward to the challenges ahead. Succeeding Sandy Matheson will be an enormous task but with the support of my new colleagues and the executive team at HIAL we can continue the growth and expansion of this vital economic driver."
Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL said:
"The Company made significant progress under Mr Matheson's chairmanship and we are delighted at Mr Sutherland's appointment. His experience will be of great benefit to our development as we seek to employ best business practice to enhance our performance and provide positive outcomes for the region."
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Code of Practice of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland.
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 there is any to be declared) to be made public. Mr Sutherland has no political affiliation.
This appointment will be for three years and will run from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2010. The post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £21,451 per annum for a time commitment of 6 days per month. Mr Sutherland does not currently hold any other Ministerial public appointments.
HIAL is a company wholly owned by the Scottish Ministers and is sponsored by the Scottish Executive through the Enterprise, Transport and Lifelong Learning Department's Transport Group. The company's purpose is to maintain the safe operation of its airports, develop air services in the region and to support economic and social development in the Highlands and Islands. HIAL currently operates 10 airports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, located at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Islay, Inverness, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh Tiree and Wick. From September 1, 2007, HIAL will also assume operational control of Dundee Airport. Total passenger numbers in 2005/06 were 1,152,895, ranging from 6,854 at Tiree to 665,677 at Inverness.
Appointments Extension
Also announced today is the extension to February 29, 2008 of the appointments of Ms Shona MacLennan and Mr Grenville Johnston whose second terms as Non-Executive Directors of the Board of HIAL were due to expire on February 28, 2007. These extensions, which have been agreed by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland (OCPAS), will secure valuable continuity on the Board.
Ms Shona MacLennan was appointed to the HIAL Board for a three-year term on March 1, 2001 and reappointed for a second three-year term on 1 March 2004. The post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £6,850 per annum for a time commitment of two days per month. Ms MacLennan lives in Dornie, Ross-Shire and is a Director of Solas Business Services. She is a non-executive director of STV (North) and a Gaelic Media Service Board member. Working throughout the Highlands and Islands she has extensive experience of small businesses in rural areas and of the social and economic infrastructure of the region. Ms MacLennan has not been politically active in the last five years, and does not hold any other Ministerial Appointments.
Mr Grenville Johnston was appointed to the HIAL Board for a three-year term on March 1, 2001 and reappointed for a second three-year term on March 1, 2004. The post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £6,850 per annum for a time commitment of two days per month. He was appointed Chair of Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd in November 2006. The post of Chair is part-time (four days per month) and attracts a remuneration of £15,961, subject to annual review. However, in recognition of the early work required to establish the company, Mr Johnston is expected to work 8 days per month during the first six months, with a proportionate increase in remuneration.
Mr Johnston lives in Elgin and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He is a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and is currently a Board Member of Cairngorm Mountain Ltd and President of the Highland Reserves and Cadet Forces Association. He joined the HIAL Board in 2002 and is now Lord Lieutenant of Moray. Mr Johnston has not been politically active in the last five years.