Two long-serving Orkney Enterprise board members have been appointed chairman and deputy chairman of the local enterprise company.  New chairman, Brian Kynoch has been a director of Orkney Enterprise since 1999 with fellow board member and new deputy chairman, Stephen Hagan having spent four years on the board.

Brian Kynoch is managing director of DAG Kynoch Ltd and its manufacturing division, Orkney Glass Fibre.  He is a keen sailor and is currently chairman of Orkney Marinas Limited and Kirkwall Small Boat Owner's Association.

Stephen Hagan is a farmer and local councillor for Westray, Papa Westray and Eday.  Originally from Northern Ireland, he moved to Orkney in 1986.  A past chairman of Orkney Ferries Limited and director of Orkney Auction Mart, he is now chairman of the council's transportation committee.

The duo will lead Orkney Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network, on its new course following the launch of HIE's new strategy, Smart Successful Scotland - The Highlands and Islands Dimension.  'The Highlands and Islands Dimension' - launched by First Minister Jack McConnell last month - is the area's perspective of the national strategy for the enterprise networks in Scotland and reflects the particular opportunities and challenges associated with economic development in the region.

Commenting on what 'The Highlands and Islands Dimension' will mean for Orkney, Brian Kynoch said: "The new strategy will progress four key objectives; strengthening communities, developing skills and learning, making global connections and growing businesses.  These objectives work together recognising that Orcadians form communities and create the wealth of the area and that strong communities are in turn dependent on economic prosperity and the skills, abilities and confidence of our people.

"Orkney can already boast strong global connections but we recognise that more opportunities exist to allow us to participate and compete in a global context.  For instance the European Wave Energy Test Centre is receiving substanial support from the HIE Network and its activities will attract world-wide interest."

"As the new chairman of Orkney Enterprise I look forward to the challenges ahead and leading the team at Orkney Enterprise at the beginning of this new chapter."

Stephen Hagan said: "I am delighted to have been appointed deputy chairman of Orkney Enterprise having thoroughly enjoyed being a director for the past four years, finding it an extremely rewarding thing to do.  With a new strategy, a new board chairman and deputy chairman, this is an exciting time for Orkney Enterprise."

Chief executive at Orkney Enterprise Ken Grant said: "Brian and Stephen have brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board of Orkney Enterprise during their three and four years respectively.  I look forward to working with them in their new roles as we work towards a Smart Successful Scotland.

"I would also like to pay tribute to our previous chairman Ken Watson and deputy chairman Andrew Wilson who retired at the March board meeting."