Public appointment: Members reappointed to the South of Scotland Enterprise Board

Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, Neil Gray MSP, today announced the reappointment of Alistair Cameron; Helen Forsyth; Duncan McConchie; and Jeremy Sainsbury OBE as Members of the Board of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

Members

Alistair Cameron has built his career in the life and chemical sciences sector, scaling a home-based business to becoming a major local employer, exporting to 32 countries worldwide.  He understands the challenges and opportunities being faced by small businesses.  Having worked in a variety of international markets, Alistair is aware of how others see the south of Scotland and the opportunities that can be exploited as a centre for opportunity and growth.  He is an advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness in the workplace and leads the SOSE Just Transition Committee looking to ensure equity of opportunity for all people as the economy is transformed by new low carbon technologies.

Helen Forsyth spent her career working in the third and public sectors in England and for the last 28 years in the housing association sector based in Berwickshire for 20 years.  She has been Chair of the Scottish Federation of Housing Association, Chair of two community organisations and is Chair of the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh.  She was also a Member of the Scottish Committee of the Lottery Fund, Chair of Resilient Scotland supporting social enterprises and was involved in South of Scotland Economic Partnership.

Duncan McConchie transformed his family farm in Galloway with the creation of on-site accommodation, wedding and conference venue and hillside kitchen/bistro.  Along with his wife, they employ over 100 people.  His aim is to create new opportunities, structure the business to sustain future generations on the land and focus on becoming a carbon positive organisation.  Duncan also co-founded the Scottish Wedding Industry Alliance in order to give the industry a voice during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jeremy Sainsbury OBE is a Director of Natural Power Consultants which is a renewable energy company employing people in five international markets.  He has lived in Dumfries and Galloway for 34 years and understands the energy potential of the South of Scotland in achieving a ‘just transition’ to net zero.  He has extensive knowledge in land and forestry, managing land and forest assets in the South of Scotland for ten years.

Reappointments

The reappointments will be for four years and run from 9 March 2024 to 8 March 2028.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The reappointments attract remuneration of £265.92 per day for a time commitment of 2½ days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Alistair Cameron, Helen Forsyth, Duncan McConchie and Jeremy Sainsbury 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.

Alistair Cameron, Helen Forsyth, Duncan McConchie and Jeremy Sainsbury have engaged in no political activity within the last five years.

Background

SOSE is the dedicated economic and communities development agency for the South of Scotland.  It was established in direct response to the unique economic opportunities and challenges facing the South of Scotland and to deliver a fresh and locally focused approach.

Its mission is to bring people together across the South of Scotland and work in partnership with them to further the region’s economic and social development and to improve its amenity and environment. SOSE provides expertise, mentoring and investment to people, enterprises, businesses and communities across the region. It helps communities to develop sustainable projects that create jobs and promote community wellbeing.

SOSE’s Board is chaired by Professor Russel Griggs OBE.