Senior Highland Councillor is elected Chairman of HITRANS
The new Chairman of HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands, is Councillor Allan Henderson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Places Committee. He takes over from Councillor James Stockan, who is now Leader of Orkney Islands Council.
Councillor Henderson is an Independent who is a Ward Member for Caol and Mallaig.
He was elected at a meeting of the HITRANS Partnership Board at Lossiemouth on Friday 23 June.
Elected Vice-Chairman is Councillor John Cowe, Chairman of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee.
Other new Council members on the Board are Councillor Roddy McCuish, Argyll and Bute Council; Councillor Uisdean Robertson, Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar and Councillor Graham Sinclair, Orkney Islands Council.
The three non-Council members who remain on the Partnership Board are Okain MacLennan, Professor David Gray and Wilson Metcalfe.
Councillor Henderson said it was an honour to serve as Chairman of HITRANS.
He said: “Over the years, HITRANS has established itself as a highly effective partnership which aims to support sustainable economic growth across the Highlands and Islands. I want to play my part in maintaining the progress we are making in reducing barriers to participation in employment, learning, social, leisure, health and cultural activities.
“We have a committed Partnership Board, supported by highly effective officials who share a commitment to maintain and improve lifeline transport networks and services, promote efficient business connectivity and support active communities.”
A key element of the work of HITRANS is to produce and keep up to date a Regional Transport Strategy, which captures the projects that can improve the transport of the region. Public consultation is well under way and the deadline for providing feedback is Friday 7 July. The response has been encouraging with responses provided by key stakeholders, businesses and individuals. A copy of the draft strategy and online survey can be found on the HITRANS website at http://bit.ly/2u4q94h
Following the public consultation, the Strategy will be finalised with an opportunity to reflect on any potential impacts from emerging planning reform and the start of the National Transport Strategy Refresh process. The finalised Regional Transport Strategy along with any supporting documents including consultation responses must then be submitted to Scottish Ministers for their approval.