Hunter to head local HIE team

HIGHLANDS and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed Rachel Hunter as its new area manager for Shetland.

The 40-year-old succeeds Stuart Robertson whose appointment as the development agency’s director of digital was announced in autumn.

Originally from Shetland, Hunter left to study at Glasgow University when she was 18.  She then worked in the central belt for a number of years.

She returned to Shetland in 2001 to work at the NAFC Marine Centre for two years before joining HIE in 2003 as skills development manager.

Hunter became head of operations at the agency’s Solarhus offices three years ago, and was made acting area manager in October.

She said: “It is a challenging time for the economy but Shetland is competitively placed to play a pivotal role in delivering a strong future for the regional economy.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the team and with partner agencies to contribute further to Shetland’s success.”

HIE chief executive Alex Paterson said: “Rachel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and has a detailed understanding of the key issues in the islands and beyond.”