Public appointment: Chair and Non-Executive Director reappointed to the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited

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The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, today announced the reappointment of Morag McNeill as Chair, and Graeme Wood as a Non-Executive Director, of the Board of Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL).

Morag McNeill is reappointed as Chair for 18 months from 1 October 2025 to 30 March 2027. Graeme Wood is reappointed as a Non-Executive Director for two years from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

These reappointments will maintain continuity and retain vital specialist expertise and experience on the CMAL Board, to continue to support the delivery of high-quality ferry services to island communities.

Further to the reappointment of Ms McNeill and Mr Wood, a new appointment campaign will soon be launched for CMAL, seeking candidates with current experience of living and working in island communities, Gaelic language skills, and the relevant skills and expertise required for Board appointments. This campaign will also promote diversity, including gender balance and other protected characteristics.

Scottish Ministers are committed to ensuring that island communities help shape the future of ferry services in Scotland. This commitment is being delivered through the appointment of island representatives to the Boards of both CMAL and CalMac — ensuring island perspectives are embedded in decision-making.

Chair

Morag McNeill is a qualified solicitor with over 35 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer in private practice and with Forth Ports plc. Morag brings extensive experience of ports and harbours and a strong background in corporate finance to the CMAL Board. Previous roles include Chair of Heriot-Watt University and Vice Chair of Port of Aberdeen. She is currently Chair of Scottish Event Campus Limited and Chair of the Robertson Trust.

Non-Executive Director

Graeme Wood is a qualified marine engineer with his early career spent in a sea-going capacity on a range of merchant vessels. He has 40 years’ experience of working in marine and offshore energy related businesses with a focus on vessel building, management, and operations. He supports the board on marine technical and safety aspects. He has held a number of executive and non-executive director roles and has achieved Chartered Director status and is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

Remuneration and time commitment

Morag McNeill receives £395.90 per day for a time commitment of 1.5 days per week as Chair. Graeme Wood receives £354.90 per day for a time commitment of three days per month as a Non-Executive Director.

Other Ministerial appointments

Morag McNeill and Graeme Wood do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

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 within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Morag McNeill and Graeme Wood have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) owns ferries, ports, harbours, and infrastructure necessary for vital ferry services serving the west coast of Scotland and the Clyde Estuary, and the Northern Isles. It is wholly owned by the Scottish Government with Scottish Ministers the sole shareholder. It has an executive management team and support staff at headquarters in Port Glasgow. It aims to provide safe, efficient, and cost-effective ferries, harbours and port infrastructure for operators, communities, and users in and around Scotland.