Public appointment: Members appointed to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise

The Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes MSP, today announced the appointment of Allan Clow and Melanie Collett as Members of the Board of Highland and Islands Enterprise.

Members

Allan Clow is a qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience in the private sector across a range of industries. He has held Finance Director positions in plc and private companies and latterly was Managing Director of Bancon Homes Ltd and Bancon Construction Ltd, large housebuilding and construction companies. He now holds non-executive director positions with the University of the Highlands and Islands, the Wheatley Group, Turning Point Scotland and Glencraft Mattresses.

Melanie Collett is a Managing Director at Aviva Investors in its Real Assets business, actively investing in forestry, peatland, infrastructure and real estate including renewable energy and sustainable investment. She has over 30 years’ experience in the industry as a Chartered Surveyor and recently led a sizeable business transformation project to position it for growth and efficiency.

Appointments

The appointments are for three years from 1 May 2024 until 30 April 2027.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The appointments attract remuneration of £419.00 per day for a time commitment of 2.5 days per month.

Other Ministerial appointments

Mr Clow and Ms Collett do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Mr Clow and Ms Collett have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is an ambitious organisation with a vital role in supporting businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands to build a greener, fairer, and more resilient region that benefits everyone and makes a strong contribution to Scotland. Its five-year strategy, launched in August 2023, sets out its vision for a leading net zero region with a dynamic wellbeing economy and is aligned with the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and the New Deal for Business.

Responsible for setting strategic direction, key decision making and effective governance, the Board membership encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and experience that reflect the diversity of the region and the breadth of HIE’s remit. Board members come from a range of backgrounds but have at least two things in common: passion for this part of Scotland and a commitment to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and prosperity of all who live there.