This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Two new members have been appointed to the Board of VisitScotland, it was announced today.
The new members are: Dr Lesley Sawers - Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, previously Chairman of the Royal Mail Advisory Board. Mr William Dunn - Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Economic Development and Planning Spokesperson. Member of VisitScotland's Chair's committee.
These appointments will be for 3 years and will run from 20 October 2005 to 30 September 2008.
The post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £8,235 for a time commitment of 2 days per month.
Lesley Sawers holds the following other public appointments as a member - Arts & Business Scotland, Business Gateway, Glasgow Exports, Local Economic Forum and Community Planning Partnership and receives no remuneration. William Dunn holds other public appointments as a member including Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothian, West Lothian Leisure, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, West Lothian Venture Ltd and several other community based organisations. He does not receive remuneration for these posts.
VisitScotland has a strategic role as the public sector agency providing leadership and direction for the development of Scottish tourism to get the maximum economic benefit for Scotland. It exists to support the development of the tourism industry in Scotland and to market Scotland as a quality destination. Grant-in-Aid received from the Scottish Executive in 2005-06 totals approximately £49.0 million.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Lesley Sawers has not been politically active during the last five years. William Dunn has been politically active during the past five years as Depute Leader of West Lothian Council.