New chief in post

SHETLAND Islands Council’s new chief executive Mark Boden had his first working day on Friday.

Mr Boden was appointed to the £97,000 a year post earlier this month, replacing Alistair Buchan who is returning to lead Orkney Islands Council.

A former corporate director of operations with Wiltshire Council, Mr Boden is on record as saying that he is in Shetland for the long term.

On Friday, he spent most of the day meeting councillors and senior officials, as well as finding his way around the council’s new headquarters at the North Ness Business Park.

In a brief statement he said: “My wife Angela and I are delighted to be here in Shetland and I am looking forward to working with councillors and colleagues at Shetland Islands Council.”