Partnership Director pays tribute to former Chair Charlie King

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Charlie King, former Highland Council Councillor and former Chairman of HITRANS, whose leadership and vision helped shape our organisation at a pivotal moment in its history.

Charlie chaired HITRANS during the significant transition from a voluntary body to a statutory Regional Transport Partnership. At a time of uncertainty and change, he brought ambition, determination and absolute clarity of purpose. He believed passionately that the Highlands and Islands deserved a transport system equal to the needs and aspirations of its people, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that our new statutory status was not merely a change in structure, but a step-change in impact.

Charlie was an inspirational leader. He combined strategic vision with a deep understanding of the communities we serve. He set high standards for the organisation and for those of us privileged to work alongside him. His expectation was always that HITRANS should be bold for the region — ambitious in thought, determined in delivery and unwavering in its commitment to improving connectivity and opportunity across the Highlands and Islands.

On a personal note, I owe Charlie a great debt of gratitude. When I joined the voluntary body that he chaired, I benefited enormously from his wise counsel, encouragement and mentorship. He gave freely of his experience and judgement, offering guidance that has stayed with me throughout my career. Like many others, I learned from his example: lead with integrity, think long-term, and never lose sight of the people whose lives transport can transform.

The culture of ambition and regional pride that Charlie instilled continues to guide HITRANS today. We strive to live up to the example he set — to be courageous in our advocacy, collaborative in our partnerships, and relentless in our efforts to make transport in the Highlands and Islands the very best it can be.

Charlie’s contribution to local government and to regional transport will endure through the projects advanced under his stewardship and through the many people he inspired and mentored along the way. The improvement to the A830 will stand as a very particular lasting legacy to his work. He will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the HITRANS Partnership, I extend our sincere condolences to Charlie’s family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time.