HITRANS Appoint New Chair

Orkney  Councillor James Stockan has been appointed Chair of HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands Regional Transport Partnership.

Cllr Stockan, from Stromness, succeeds Cllr John Semple who had been in the role since June 2012.

He was appointed at a meeting of the partnership’s Board in Elgin today (Friday).

As chair, Cllr Stockan 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 priority of the HITRANS board is to make the case for improvements to the transport networks that are so vital to the economy and social fabric of the Highlands and Islands.  We have an important role to play in working with partners particularly the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and the local authorities in the delivery of the transport priorities set out in our Regional Transport Strategy.

“I am excited about the challenge of this new role and look forward to working with the board, officers, partner Councils and all our stakeholders in shaping the work of HITRANS towards achieving our objectives.”

Ends

For more information contact Ranald Robertson, HITRANS on 07717 425225

About the new Chair

James Stockan is a Member for the Stromness and South Isles ward on Orkney Islands Council.  Elected to Council in 2003 he was Chair of Economic Development from 2005 to 2007, and served as Vice Convener from 2007 to May 2012. Cllr Stockan is currently Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee.