23 Jul New Board Members for Highland Tourism
Highland Tourism CIC strengthens leadership team with two new board members.
Highland Tourism CIC has strengthened its new leadership team this week with two new additions to assist in the community interest company’s target for the Highlands to become one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations. The new additions will allow for greater inclusivity and joined up thinking with Board representation from across the Highlands.
Recently retired Chief Operating Officer and Secretary for UHI after a 12-year period and incoming SCDI Highlands & Islands committee chief, Fiona Larg and Andrew Mackay, owner of The Caithness Collection hotel group, Venture North board member and regional committee member of the Hospitality Industry Trust will join Stuart McColm, general manager of Castle Stuart Golf Links, Chris O’Brien, managing director of Nevis Range and Willie Cameron, business development director, Cobbs, along with chair, Yvonne Crook and vice-chair Sam Faircliff.
Fiona Larg, Director of Highland Tourism CIC said: “The tourism industry is one of the most important in the Highlands which provides much needed jobs in remote communities and attracts visitors from across the world. I am delighted to have been invited to join the board of Highland Tourism and look forward to working with like-minded individuals to help create a world class, sustainable, tourism experience across our region.”
Andrew Mackay, Director Highland Tourism, said: “I’m delighted to join Highland Tourism CIC’s new leadership team as a member of the Board. A fresh, collaborative and energetic approach is required now to address issues affecting the tourism industry across the whole of Highlands and I look forward to working with a great team of board members, ambassadors and Highland communities in paving the way for a world leading sustainable future for our industry.”
Highland Tourism CIC has created an opportunity for the industry to drive change through a sustainable vision and strategy and the organisation’s board members, communities and ambassadors will all play an important part in that. The new leadership team is in the process of preparing a business plan for Highland Tourism CIC that will enable funding to be sought to establish the new organisation as a strategic development, private sector led business organisation that will drive the future development of tourism in the Highlands.
Yvonne Crook, Highland Tourism CIC co-founder and chair said: “I am delighted to welcome Fiona and Andy to the Highland Tourism board. The strength of the board of directors as well as the 40 ambassadors and ten community groups we now have working with us is testament to the need for change in tourism in the Highlands.
“We have fantastic community and sub-regional destination efforts and collaboration but this is not enough. We have world-class golf and country sports as well as adventure based activities and we have a world-class natural environment within which we all operate. We have a climate change imperative yet we have no sustainable vision or strategy for the Highlands as the 2nd top best known Scottish brand in the world. The Industry are now ready to lead and drive a new vision ”
