Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) has welcomed a new member to their board of directors. Solicitor Mark Stewart, originally from Kinlochewe, returned to the Highlands after 15 years spent studying and working in Edinburgh.

He is a partner of Edinburgh-based law firm Murray Beith Murray, for whom he heads up the private client department, but by making use of broadband technology he is able to spend the majority of his time working from home on a range of clients from all over the UK.

Mark and his wife, who both grew up in the Highlands, returned to Ross-shire in 2003 where they now live with their 20-month-old daughter. Mark's job takes him to Edinburgh on average one or two days a week, but he says he does not mind the travelling. "I usually take the train, which is a great opportunity for some uninterrupted working time," he said.

From his own life and work experiences, he has developed an interest in the sustainable economic development of the Highlands to provide employment prospects to match the quality of life on offer, and in particular make use of new technology to break down the barriers of living in more rural locations.

He said: "When I look back at my own situation and that of my contemporaries, many had to leave the area to pursue further education and career opportunities, and many of them haven't come back. Luckily I have a job where I can work from home, so I can combine working for a central-belt firm with the fantastic quality of life the Highlands can offer, particularly for bringing up a family.

"A lot of young people are forced into this type of emigration. I would like to see more training opportunities here so that people don't have to leave the area, as well as improved career prospects to help attract them back if they do leave for university-type training."

Welcoming Mark to the board, chairman Clifford Davison said: "We are delighted that Mark has joined us. His work with Murray Beith Murray has given him a great deal of business experience and he is very aware of the economic challenges still facing our area. I am sure Mark will be a great asset to our board and the development of Ross and Cromarty."