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Aug 2002 Index

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September 2002

HIGHLAND CONVENER APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF CROFTERS COMMISSION
Councillor David Green, Convener of The Highland Council, said he is delighted to have been appointed to the part-time post of Chairman of the Crofters Commission. The appointment will run for two years from 1 October.

Councillor Green is an Independent Councillor for the Lochbroom Ward and will continue in this post until April 2003. He does not intend to stand for re-election to the Council at the elections on May 1, next year.  He said: "It is a great honour to have the opportunity to lead the Crofters Commission at such an important time for land reform and community ownership.  This new part-time post will enable me to spend more time with my family, whilst pursuing diversification of crofting interests."

A crofter from Achiltibuie, Wester Ross, Councillor Green has been a member of the commission since 1998.  The remit of the Commission is to reorganise, develop and regulate crofting; to promote the interests of crofters and to keep under review all matters relating to crofting.  It also has a duty to advise the First Minister on crofting issues.

Councillor Greens local government career began in 1989 when he was elected to the former Highland Regional Council. When The Highland Council was established in 1995, he was elected vice-convener and in 1999 he stepped up to become convener.   He said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my 13 years in local government and especially my three years as convener. Everyone can be assured of my total commitment to the council during the next six months. There are many challenges still to be met."

Married with four children, Councillor Green will continue in his role as Chairman of Inverness Highland 2008, the company bidding to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008.

He will lead a delegation of six to London on 24 September for the final assessment of the bid by the advisory panel, chaired by Sir Jeremy Isaacs, former chief executive of Channel 4.

The short-list is expected to be announced by the end of the year by Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell.