Laidlaw resigns from the helm of Shetland Recreational Trust
THE CHIEF executive of Shetland Recreational Trust Steven Laidlaw has resigned from his post for personal reasons, the trust announced this afternoon.
The trust’s operational manager Robert Geddes has been appointed as acting chief executive.
Chair of the board of trustees, David Thomson, thanked Laidlaw for the contribution he had made to the recreational trust since his appointment in 2020.
“Steven championed the most fundamental change to SRT in decades with the introduction of the More4Life membership scheme and trustees are grateful for Steven’s leadership and drive,” Thomson said.
“The national leisure sector is hanging by a thread and Shetland is not detached from that reality. SRT faces serious trials this year and we do not have the luxury of several months to find a successor.
“Trustees have agreed that Robert [Geddes] has the correct skills, qualifications and experience to step up and lead SRT in the short term, while longer term decisions are considered.”
Geddes, who has been working at the recreational trust in a number of different roles for the last 28 years, said he was delighted to be offered the opportunity to lead the organisation.
“The leisure industry has been under pressure across the UK in recent times and we are no different,” he said.
“I will be focussed on working hard, starting today, to guide the trust through the challenges that lie ahead.”
Founded in 1982, Shetland Recreational Trust operated the islands’ six leisure centres, including the Clickimin Leisure Centre, as well as two swimming pools in Scalloway and Sandwick.
A full recruitment process will be considered once trustees have approved the next strategic business plan.
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