New chairman for HIE Innse Gall board of directors

Finlay Macdonald has been appointed as chairman of the board of HIE Innse Gall.  He takes over from Murdo Maclennan who stepped down last month.
 
As a native of Tong in the Isle of Lewis, Finlay has been a director on the HIE Innse Gall board for four years and also chairs the Outer Hebrides Local Economic Forum.  He is currently the operational manager for Scotland Gas Networks, managing all gas operations for parts of Scotland unconnected to the national transmission system, covering areas from Campbeltown in the South to Wick and Thurso in the north and Stornoway in the west.

Finlay trained as an engineer and has been based in the gas industry over the years.  His career has taken him throughout north east Scotland, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh before finally relocating to Stornoway with his wife in 1998, where they have raised their family of four.

Commenting on his appointment, Finlay said:  "I am delighted with my new appointment and look forward to working with the staff at HIE Innse Gall and my fellow directors to ensure that the economic and community life in the Outer Hebrides continues to prosper and develop."

Innes Macleod has also been appointed to the board of directors.  He was born in Glasgow, but spent a great deal of time in Lewis as both his parents are from North Tolsta.  Innes serves as president for USA based company HDL International, establishing its policy and direction.  Innes has over 15 years experience in senior management with a global arena and more than ten years experience in sales and marketing and operations. 

In addition, Calum Macdonald, a sixth year pupil from the Nicolson Institute has been appointed on the board as a youth observer.

Speaking of Finlay's appointment as chairman, area director for HIE Innse Gall, Donnie Macaulay, said:  "Finlay has brought a high degree of knowledge and experience to HIE Innse Gall during his time on 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.  I am also delighted that Innes has joined us as a new director on the board who will be an asset to our board and the development of the Outer Hebrides."

Directors are involved in up to ten board meetings each year and must be resident in the Outer Hebrides.

Link to HIE Innse Gall website