Sandy Cumming, chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mr Cumming (50) said he was 'deeply honoured' by the award, which is for services to economic development.

Mr Cumming, who was born in Ross-shire, has worked in economic development for 30 years, starting his career with HIE's predecessor the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1973 as a research student.

He became the board's head of natural resources in 1990 and then a strategic planner, formulating policies for the forthcoming HIE network.

Following the inception of HIE in 1991, Mr Cumming spent two years as director of natural resources. He was then appointed chief executive of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, a post he held for five years before returning to HIE to lead its growing businesses group.

Mr Cumming became HIE chief executive in October 2000.  Earlier this week, the network announced its annual results for 2002-03, showing it had helped set up a record 714 new businesses across the Highlands and Islands, as well as supporting 2,466 jobs.

"When I was appointed chief executive of HIE almost three years ago, I said it was the job I had always wanted," Mr Cumming commented.

"The economic and social progress which has been achieved in the Highlands and Islands over the last 30 to 40 years has been remarkable and that is due in no small measure to the work of HIE and, before it, the HIDB.

"It has been an absolute privilege to be part of that transformation.  I'm deeply honoured at this award and very much aware that it recognises the work of many, many people whose commitment and enterprise have created the foundation for future progress across all parts of the Highlands and Islands."

Mr Cumming is married to Rosemary and lives in Inverness.  They have two daughters, both students at Edinburgh University.