A new acting director of strengthening communities has been appointed at Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

John Watt, who has been head of the agency's Community Land Unit since it was set up in 1997, replaces Stuart Black during his secondment to Inverness and Nairn Enterprise.

As acting director, Mr. Watt now has responsibility for HIE's work in relation to community-based initiatives including community land, the voluntary sector, arts and culture, Gaelic, the environment and transport.

Mr. Watt was brought up in Inverness, attended Inverness Royal Academy and went to university in Aberdeen and Canada. He has worked for HIE and its predecessor, the Highlands and Islands Development Board, since 1981.