6/15/2012 - New HITRANS Chair and Vice Chair Appointed
Argyll and Bute Councillor John Semple has been appointed Chair of HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership.
Cllr Semple, from Campbeltown, succeeds Duncan MacIntyre who had been in the role since June 2007.
He was appointed at a meeting of the partnership’s Board in Nairn today (Friday).
As chair, Cllr Semple will be responsible for ensuring delivery of HITRANS’ transport strategy and working with stakeholders to promote the case for key transport investment in the Highlands and Islands.
He said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to this important and challenging post.
“The clear priority of the HITRANS board is to make the case for the Highlands and Islands to be included in Government transport programmes and to support the delivery of transport priorities that have been set out in the Regional Transport Strategy.
“I look forward to working with the board, the HITRANS team, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the five councils and all our stakeholders towards this vitally important goal.”
Moray Councillor Fiona Murdoch, from Dufftown was appointed vice chair at today’s meeting. Cllr Murdoch replaces John Laing who stepped down from Highland Council at the recent election.
Cllr Murdoch added,
“I look forward to working with Cllr Semple and everyone else involved with HITRANS to make the case for the north of Scotland to have thebest chance of securing excellent transport services and make the case for the Highlands and Islands to be considered a priority when the Government makes decisions on transport investment.”
Ends
For more information contact Ranald Robertson, HITRANS on 07717 425225
About the new Chair and Vice-Chair.
John Semple is a ward member in South Kintyre. He is Depute Leader of Argyll and Bute Council and Lead Councillor for Energy, Development, Infrastructure and Tourism.
Fiona Murdoch is a ward member for Speyside Glenlivet. She chairs Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee.