Public appointment: Non-Executive Director appointed to the Board of David MacBrayne Limited

The Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the appointment of Kay Ryan as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of David MacBrayne Limited.

Non-Executive Director

Kay Ryan has held several senior commercial roles latterly as a special adviser to the Board of Loganair.  She has extensive experience in sales, marketing, pricing and revenue management within the aviation, tour operator and hotel sectors.

Appointment

The appointment is for three years and from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2026.

The appointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The appointment attracts remuneration of £320 per day for a time commitment of three days per month.

Other Ministerial appointments

Kay Ryan does 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.

Kay Ryan has had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

With over 160 years’ experience, David MacBrayne Limited (DML) is one of Scotland’s longest continually running businesses.  It is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers and is a key component of the transport network, providing lifeline ferry connectivity to our islands and remote communities.  DML employs around 1800 people with an annual turnover of approximately £200 million.  It transports more than five million passengers annually and operates 26 ports within the UK.

DML’s largest subsidiary company is CalMac Ferries Limited (CFL).  CFL is the UK’s largest ferry operator in terms of ships and destinations served and one of the largest transport operators in Scotland.  It provides essential lifeline services and logistical support to island and remote communities, and currently operates the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services Contract, which runs until 2024.