The board of Shetland Enterprise has been strengthened with the appointment of three new directors, bringing with them vast experience in a variety of sectors.  They attended their first board meeting yesterday (Tuesday 8th June).

Joining the Local Enterprise Company's board is Marjorie Williamson, David Thomson and Magnus Shearer.

Marjorie Williamson was born and brought up in Burra Isle and went on to graduate from Napier College in Edinburgh with an HND in Catering and Hotel Management.

She has been highly involved in the food and drink sector for 20 years.  Her background is in agriculture and fishing, having worked in both sectors.   

Marjorie has owned and managed the 4 star Herrislea House hotel since 1997 and run her own outside catering and consultancy business since 1996.  She is also a member of the Burra Isles Church of Scotland Congregational Board and the board of Scotland's Hotels of Distinction.  Marjorie is also a panel member of Investor's in People Scotland.

Of her role on the board Marjorie said: "I am interested in ensuring that the enterprise board's agenda takes account of the needs of all of Shetlands production industries in order to secure our economic future."

Joining Marjorie on the board is David Thomson, director of Shetland Aerogenerators Ltd since 1998.

David was born and brought up in Lerwick and as well as being a director of Shetland Aerogenerators Ltd., he is also involved with the development of Viking Energy Ltd. and was appointed chairman of Shetland Renewable Energy Forum in 2003. 

His key industry involvement is in the renewable energy sector and he was the principal author of the Shetland Strategy for Renewable Energy Development published in 2004.

David said: "I look forward to working with the staff and other directors and hope that I can help Shetland Enterprise in its activities."

Also joining the Shetland Enterprise board is Magnus Shearer, director of L.H.D. Ltd.

Magnus was born and brought up in Lerwick and has been group director of L.H.D. Ltd. and its subsidiary companies for 19 years. 

Magnus has also been involved in work for the Lerwick Port Authority, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Shetland Local Health Council and Shetland Fishermen's Widows Relief Fund.  Fisheries and the shipping sector are the key industries he is involved in.

On joining the board Magnus said: "I am interested in ensuring that the agenda takes account of the local indigenous industries as well as progressing new business and community developments."

Shetland Enterprise chairman Brian Isbister said he was delighted that the board had been able to secure the services of three people with successful but diverse business backgrounds.

He said: "I am delighted to welcome the new directors to the board.  Collectively they bring a wealth of experience to the table and can contribute much to the debate on strategic issues relating to the social and economic development in Shetland, at this time of great change in our economy."