![](/media/6268/news-item-default.jpg?width=630&height=350&v=1d5c9fd0dd8f990&format=webp&quality=100)
Roy Kirk has moved from his role as area manager to become project director for the new spaceport, where he will lead HIE’s plans to develop the new satellite launch facility.
A new acting area manager, Eann Sinclair (pictured), has been appointed in his place, while a permanent replacement is recruited.
Roy Kirk has been with HIE for more than ten years, after moving from West Lothian to Caithness. He was initially an inward investment manager before being appointed area manager in 2008. Over the past two years he has been leading on efforts to attract the spaceport investment to Sutherland.
Eann Sinclair is from Thurso and graduated from Glasgow University with a degree in Scottish and English Literature before gaining an MSc in Tourism. He has held a variety of HIE roles in the area, including head of strengthening communities. For the past ten years he has been programme manager of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP).
David Oxley, HIE’s director of business and sector development, said:
“Having been integral to the development of the opportunity for a spaceport in Sutherland, it is logical for Roy to focus fully on this exciting opportunity. I am sure his passion and enthusiasm for the project will continue as the development takes shape.
“Eann will make an excellent acting area manager, covering Roy’s role for the next few months while we recruit a permanent replacement. Through his work with the Regeneration Partnership in particular, Eann has repeatedly proved himself as a focused and motivated leader. He has wide experience of Caithness and Sutherland and has built strong relationships with many key partners.”
Related Articles
£1.3m investment approved by HIE in the Outer Hebrides 2023/24
As a result of HIE support, businesses in the area will see total turnover rise by £14.5m and international sales by £1.9m.
New director of area operations
Joanna Peteranna took up the role on 1 July.
£1.5m investment approved by HIE in Shetland in 2023-24
Figures show HIE approved £1.5m investment across 18 Shetland projects in 2023-24
Over 1,200 jobs supported by HIE in 2023/24
Figures compiled by HIE show that businesses and communities supported by the agency in 2023/24 are set to create or retain more than 1,200 jobs across the region.
HIE empowers graduates to drive economic growth
Six talented young people working at HIE over the past two years have secured permanent positions, bringing fresh perspectives and valuable skills to HIE’s economic and community development efforts.
North mill project a ‘great example’ of how to attract funding into region
£250k helped leverage a further £3.6m in national investment
Two new HIE Board members appointed
Kate Forbes, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, has approved three-year terms as non-executive directors for Allan Clow and Melanie Collett.
Why childcare is important to regional development
Event in Portree on Saturday 27 April to encourage more people into the profession
Hyundai MoU could benefit Highlands and Islands
The signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Scotland’s enterprise agencies and the world’s largest shipbuilding company could bring economic benefits for the Highlands and Islands.
HIE accredited for carbon literacy
HIE awarded silver accreditation for progress in becoming carbon literate.