Public appointment: Members appointed to the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise

The Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray MSP, today announced the appointment of Rory Christie and Dr Mary Thomson as Members of the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise.

Members

Rory Christie is a Director of the Dourie Farming Company Limited which is a family business specialising in pastoral dairy and intensive pig production.  He is a Board Member and Lead on dairy contract legislation for the NFUS Milk Policy Committee and also founder and current Chair of the Milk Suppliers Association Co-op. He is Vice Chair of Board of Directors of the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society and will become Chair in 2024.

Dr Mary Thomson is Vice Principal Skills and Lifelong Learning at SRUC.  Her previous roles include leading rural skills provision at Borders College. She has 25 years’ experience in the UK veterinary and education sectors including senior roles in industry, policy and education. Dr Thomson led the successful 2023 Queen's Anniversary Prize nomination for SRUC's Veterinary Services.

Appointments

The appointments are for four years and run from 9 March 2024 to 8 March 2028.

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The appointments attract remuneration of £265.92 per day for a time commitment of 2.5 days per month.

Other Ministerial appointments

Rory Christie and Dr Mary Thomson 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.

Rory Christie and Dr Mary Thomson have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the development agency for businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE is here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow, and fulfil their best potential.

SOSE was established through the South of Scotland Enterprise Act 2019 and started its operations on 1 April 2020, with the remit to further the sustainable economic and social development and to improve the amenity and environment of the South of Scotland.

Every enterprise is different, and SOSE support is tailored to your stage and situation. Services can include training, advice, specialist expertise, and funding (grants and loans).