News / HIAL board members appointed for ability not location, parliament committee told
SCOTLAND’s most recent transport minister says that people are appointed to the board of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) based on their abilities, not their location.
It comes after a petition was submitted to the Scottish Parliament calling for public bodies providing services to the islands to have stronger community representation.
Writing in March before parliament went into recess for the 6 May elections, then transport minister Michael Matheson said it is “not appropriate to limit the candidate pool for board membership by imposing requirements for where candidates come from”.
He was responding to questions raised through another parliamentary petition, which calls for a halt to HIAL’s plans to centralise air traffic control in the Highlands and Islands to Inverness.
The parliament’s petitions committee asked if any members of the HIAL board had knowledge or experience of living in rural, remote or island communities.
“Residents of island communities are free to apply to become members of the HIAL board if they wish,” Matheson said.
“An understanding of the role of transport, including aviation, in maintaining the economic and social integrity of the Highlands and Islands is a requirement for all board members.
“At each appointment round we review the skills and knowledge that the board collectively possesses to ensure that it can provide effective oversight of the company.
“This review includes both the skills and knowledge that the current board possess as well as the skills and knowledge that we believe the board collectively requires to be effective.”
In his response to the petition Matheson also confirmed that to date £6.5 million had been spent on HIAL’s controversial air traffic control plan.
A freedom of information request from Shetland News showed that up to November last year just over £6 million had been spent.
The petition to introduce community representation on boards of public organisations delivering lifeline services to island communities has so far collected 473 signatures.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.