Dr Andrew Muir has been appointed as chairman of the board of HIE Skye and Wester Ross (SWR).  He will take over from Muriel Jones when her term comes to an end this April.

Andrew is a native of Achiltibuie and has been a director on the HIE SWR board for eleven months following six years on the former Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) board.  He is the regional manager with the international telecoms consultancy Mason Communications and also owns Summer Isles Self Catering. 

Andrew said:  "I am delighted with my new appointment.  My vision for Skye and Wester Ross is a place where there is excellent range of employment prospects, a good standard of living and a place where it is a pleasure to live and that has good community spirit.  Having been in business for over 20 years, I feel that I have a lot of experience to offer the local enterprise company."

Speaking of Mr Muir's appointment, area director for HIE Skye and Wester Ross, Robert Muir, said:  "Andrew has brought a high degree of knowledge and experience to HIE SWR during his time on with the board.  I am delighted that he has accepted the position of chairman and look forward to continuing to work with him over the next few years."

HIE chairman William Roe welcomed Andrew as chairman.  He said:  "We thank Muriel for her ten years of excellent service to the HIE Network, and look forward to working with Andrew.  His work 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 Andrew will be a great asset to our board and the development of Skye and Wester Ross."

Robert added that new directors from Skye and Wester Ross will soon join the board following a recent advertisement.