Three new members have joined Ross & Cromarty Enterprise board bringing with them local knowledge and a commitment to the agency's key objectives of developing skills, strengthening communities and growing businesses.

Eileen Wilson, who moved with her husband from Edinburgh to Alness 30 years ago, is committed to community empowerment and adult education.  She currently works for Age Concern Scotland as a development officer to influence policies, practices and service development for the benefit of older people.  For ten years she was an elected member of Ross & Cromarty District Council representing the Coulhill ward of Alness.  She was involved with Ross-shire Woman's Aid in Dingwall, and helped develop welfare rights and money advice service with Highland Council.  She has also been involved with the Citizens Advice Bureau for 25 years and is now their chairperson, and she is a founder member and president of Alness Credit Union.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Wilson said:  "I have a personal and professional commitment to community development and I look forward to being able to reflect the opinions of the community during my period as director."

Justin Calder from Dingwall worked with Ross & Cromarty County Council for 20 years before joining Highland Council in 1979. As a member of a Highlands and Islands Development Board working party he helped establish the Invergordon Enterprise Zone following the closure of the Invergordon Smelter.  He also brings with him experience in the oil industry.  He is currently involved with the Community Economic Development Programme in Ross & Cromarty.

Mr Calder said:  "I am delighted to take up this position and I believe my knowledge and experience of local issues will be useful."

Forbes Jackson from Glasgow is the third new board member to join RACE.  He has worked as a Technical Education teacher in secondary schools in Clydebank and North Uist, and also at Tain Royal Academy and has served on the Tain Community Council.  As Depute and then Head Teacher at Mallaig Secondary School he led the team establishing the new Mallaig High School in 1989.  In 1999 he was seconded to Lochaber College as General Manager during which time it became the first new partner in the UHI project.  Mr Jackson is now retired and has recently moved back to Tain with his wife. 

He commented:  "I am pleased to join the board of RACE and I look forward to the challenges ahead.  I believe I have a lot to offer the organisation and the wider community in terms of my commitment to lifelong learning."

Cheif Executive of RACE, Gordon Cox welcomed the trio to the board saying:  "I look forward to working with these new directors.  They bring with them a broad range of experience and I am confident their contributions will enhance the company's future performance.  I would also like to thank the outgoing members for their contribution over the years."