Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has confirmed the names of new area managers for teams based in Lochgilphead, Stornoway and Thurso.

Douglas Cowan, currently head of population growth at HIE will become area manager for the Lochgilphead area office. Archie Macdonald, formerly head of operations at HIE Innse Gall takes on the role of area manager for HIE area teams in Stornoway and Lionacleit.

Roy Kirk, currently the inward investment executive for the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership has been appointed as the new area manager in charge of teams in Thurso and Golspie. All three area managers will take up their positions as soon as possible, joining five other area managers in teams based around the Highland and Islands.

The three posts became vacant when the previous three area managers were appointed to other position within HIE.

Sandy Cumming, chief executive of HIE welcomed the new appointments. He said: "We are delighted to appoint three new area managers for Lochgilphead, Stornoway and Thurso at such a challenging time for the Highlands and Islands. They will play a critical role in building sustainable growth across a diverse region as part of re-shaping the organisation to contribute towards the delivery of the Government's Economic Strategy."

"All three new area managers have made highly positive contributions to the work of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise during what has been a testing time for the area. I am confident that they will be excellent leaders for the organisation in their areas at a time of significant change in the Highlands and Islands."