Harris crofter, Murdo Mackay, has been appointed as the new co-ordinator for the Initiative at the Edge/Iomairt aig an Oir programme, a role provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The programme provides a framework for communities to lead the regeneration of their areas, in partnership with the public sector.  It currently operates in eight of the most peripheral and economically fragile areas across the length and breadth of the Highlands and Islands.

Working from Drinishader in the Bays of Harris, one of the Initiative areas, Mr. Mackay will co-ordinate and support the work of the Initiative's local development officers and community development groups.  He will also manage the Initiative's Drinishader office, and its delivery of its schemes of financial support.

A former production manager with Stolt Sea Farm Ltd, Mr. Mackay is a Lewisman by birth, but now lives in Luskentyre in West Harris with his young family.

Announcing the appointment, Rory Dutton of HIE's strengthening communities group, said:  "I am delighted to welcome Murdo to the Iomairt aig an Oir team.  He has a sound knowledge of the aims of the programme and considerable experience of the issues it seeks to address."

Commenting on his new role, Murdo Mackay added:  "I am delighted to be taking on this challenging role with the Iomairt and look forward to contributing to the recovery of some of the most fragile areas of the Highlands and Islands."