The principal of Moray College, and a Strathspey businessman, have been appointed to the board of directors at Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network.

Dr. James Logan has been principal and chief executive of Moray College since April 2001 and represents the college on the board of the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute (UHIMI). He is also chairman of the local advisory board for Careers Scotland and vice chair of the Local Economic Forum.  Dr Logan's medical and research experience will add to what is an area of growing importance for the MBSE board.

The second appointment is that of Mr Duncan MacKellar of Grantown on Spey, a director of MacKellar Engineering Ltd, a family firm started in 1975 by his late father. Mr MacKellar is also a founder and director of the locally-based WBM Hotels Ltd, vice chair of Cairngorms Chamber of Commerce, a director of Anagach Woodlands trust and a member of the Institute of Directors.  He has considerable experience in the oil and gas sector and will bring new skills to the board in that area.

Confirming the appointments, MBSE chairman, Derek Bedford, said:  "I am delighted to welcome Mr MacKellar and Dr Logan to the board.  Between them they bring a wealth of experience of the area, of its economic, social and educational structure. 

"Making the area more attractive for research and development activities is a prime objective of MBSE in the next few years and to this end the experience which Dr Jim Logan brings to the board will be extremely valuable indeed.

"Duncan MacKellar's extensive experience in the oil and gas industry on the other hand will help the MBSE board as we seek to exploit development opportunities from this valuable sector of the north-east economy.  

"The board has a very challenging role in advising and directing the operations of MBSE and I have absolutely no doubt that Mr MacKellar and Dr. Logan will make substantial contributions to our work, particularly in relation to the four strategic goals of growing businesses, strengthening communities, developing skills and making global connections."