The group that serves as a voice for Orkney's tourism operators has a new team at the helm.

Leading figures from within the industry have been selected to serve as the Orkney Tourism Group's first board of directors.

Bringing together a wealth of experience from many tourism sectors, the new board members have the task of steering the group at a time when the future direction of the industry is about to go under the microscope.

Set up earlier this year, the Orkney Tourism Group represents industry operators - people and businesses involved in everything from providing holiday accommodation to running privately owned visitor attractions.

Until recently it was run by a steering group. But members have now elected their first board.

The new directors are:

* Dawn Flett - representing hotels and guest houses
* Kathy Bichan - representing bed and breakfast operators
* Billy McEwen - representing self catering operators
* Andrew Appleby - representing the arts and crafts sector
* Linda Baird - representing food and drink providers
* Martin Fleet - representing the retail sector
* Major Malcolm Macrae - representing visitor attraction providers
* Charles Tait - representing the recreation, sports and entertainment sectors
* Caz Mamwell - representing the transport and touring sector
* Adrian Francis  - currently no specific remit

Mrs Bichan said: "We saw it as important to draw people from all sectors so we can address all the issues that relate to tourism in Orkney.

"Like the other directors, I want to see tourism continue to benefit Orkney in the way it's done in the past.  We believe a strong industry voice is vital as part of that process."

Orkney Tourism Group's role is to speak on behalf of members during, for instance, the forthcoming debate on Orkney's tourism strategy.

The strategy is due to be reviewed by the islands' Area Tourism Partnership - a forum that brings together VisitOrkney, Orkney Islands Council, Orkney Enterprise and the Orkney Tourism Group.

Councillor James Stockan, the council's development chairman, said: "Orkney Tourism Group has a crucial role to play in the partnership as an industry organisation well placed to provide us with an independent, private sector perspective.

"With the Orkney tourism strategy due to be reassessed later this year, it is particularly important that there is a strong industry voice within the partnership."

Orkney Enterprise chairman Brian Kynoch said: "It is great to see the industry give such a commitment to the future of tourism in Orkney.  We look forward to working with the industry group to protect and develop Orkney's interests."

Barbara Foulkes, VisitOrkney's area director, added: "We are glad that there is an industry group involved in the Area Tourism Partnership.  It will provide a valuable voice during our discussions on the future direction of Orkney's tourism strategy."

It is expected that the Orkney Tourism Group's new directors will appoint a chair and vice-chair at their first board meeting on November 30.