Director of strengthening communities at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Lorne MacLeod has announced he is to leave the agency at the end of the year, to pursue a variety of business interests.

Lorne, who has spent the last 13 years working for the HIE Network and its predecessor the HIDB, says he is making the move to present himself with new challenges. It will also allow him to return to the island of Skye, where he spent six years as the chief executive of Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE).

During his last two and a half years with HIE, he was responsible for setting up the strengthening communities group, in line with the agency's new strategic priorities.

Lorne said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with HIE, both within the core body in Inverness and as chief executive of SALE, however I feel this is the right time to leave and pursue my own interests.

"It has been very rewarding work, especially seeing the growth in community confidence throughout the area during that time. The recent emphasis on the most remote communities, through the Initiative at the Edge, has seen that spirit of optimism spread far and wide."

Lorne, who owns a croft at Breakish on Skye, will work as a chartered accountant, and also undertake general business consultancy work.

In addition to this he will work as a part-time director of local distribution and hardware company Jansvans, and has just been appointed as a member of the National Lottery Charities Board Scottish Committee, a post he will take up from the 1st of November.

Acting chief executive at HIE Sandy Cumming said: "There can be no doubting Lorne's commitment to the Highlands and Islands, he has worked very hard and effectively as part of the HIE Network over the past decade. I'm sure I speak for everyone at HIE in wishing him every success in his new business ventures."