Well-known Highland businesswoman Freda Rapson has been appointed to chair the newly formed local enterprise company HIE Inverness and East Highland.

Ross-shire-born Ms Rapson has led a highly successful career that has seen her become managing director of Rapsons Coaches and owner of one of the Highlands' leading tourist business, Jacobite Cruises.

Bill Bound, formerly a director of Ross and Cromarty Enterprise, takes on the role of vice-chairman. He is joined by other former Ross-shire directors Chris Melia, Eileen Wilson, Mark Stuart and David Alston.

They will be complemented by 11 directors who served the former Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey area: Chris Silver, Fiona Larg; Iain Scott; Inverness Provost Bill Smith; Helen Carmichael; Ian Urquhart; Alasdair Munro; Robbie Bremner; Duncan MacKellar; Basil Dunlop and Rosemary Machen-Young.

The new board will serve an area that includes Strathspey and Badenoch, Nairn, Inverness and Easter Ross.

Freda Rapson was born and educated in Dingwall, then studied in Edinburgh where she gained a degree in business studies. She went on to be executive director of Rapsons Coaches, during which time she was seconded to National Express Group Plc, rising to the post of managing director of Scottish Citylink Coaches, before returning to Rapsons as Managing Director.

In March 2002 she bought Jacobite Cruises and has led the company to the forefront of visitor attraction businesses in Scotland.  Freda lives and works in Inverness and her main interest apart from business is her love for horses and everything to do with the equestrian world. She has served as a local enterprise company director since 2002.

Freda has one son, Robbie, who attends Glenalmond School in Perthshire and takes up much of her available leisure time.

"I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the first chair of HIE Inverness and East Highland," said Freda.

"These are very exciting times for the local economy and the extended LEC boundary reflects the new reality of a single economic zone which stretches from Ross-shire, through Inverness and Nairn, to Badenoch and Strathspey.

"I already know the area very well and am greatly looking forward to taking on this new challenge and listening to the views of the businesses, communities and individuals of Inverness and East Highland."

HIE chairman William Roe, said: "I am delighted that Freda is to chair this new enterprise company. HIE Inverness and East Highland has many challenges ahead and potential to bring great benefit to this part of the region. I am confident that Freda, assisted by such a capable board, will make a superb job of guiding this local enterprise company into a confident and vibrant future."