A farmer with a keen interest in renewables and a business woman turned college lecturer have joined Orkney Enterprise's board of directors.

Eoin Stevenson, from Stronsay, and Lorraine Bichan, from Finstown, were selected for the wealth of experience they will bring to the board.

With Stronsay recently included in the Scottish Executive's Initiative at the Edge, along with Eday, Sanday and North Ronaldsay, Mr Stevenson hopes his new role will benefit Orkney's outlying communities.

"Orkney Enterprise is a key agency involved in Initiative at the Edge, so I'm delighted to have the opportunity to bring a North Isles perspective to board meetings," he said.

Mr Stevenson wants to see Orkney gain the maximum possible community benefits from the development of renewable energy.

Three wind turbines stand on his farm, the Bu at Rothiesholm, and he is a member of Stronsay Development Trust's renewables sub group.

"I have a strong interest in renewable energy and I'm keen to see this exciting technology developed in innovative ways that bring benefits to people across the islands," he added.

Mrs Bichan spent 10 years as the joint owner and manager of Finstown based Lang-geo Oysters before returning to her original profession of teaching.

From working in a secondary school, she moved to Orkney College where she now heads the business studies department.

She also co-ordinates the development of the business and management degree delivered by the UHI Millennium Institute, the emerging university for the Highlands and Islands.

"When we were running the company, we benefited a great deal from the support Orkney Enterprise provided for us," Mrs Bichan said. "It was a new and innovative business and it would never have got off the ground without the help we received.

"My work at the college has allowed me to maintain the very positive links I formed then with Orkney Enterprise.

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to join the board of directors and hope my business and academic experience will be of benefit to the organisation."

Orkney Enterprise chairman Brian Kynoch has welcomed the appointment of Mr Stevenson and Mrs Bichan.

He said: "Both new directors have a wealth of experience in their respective business sectors and I'm sure they will make a very valuable contribution to the work of the board."