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

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the appointment of Lucy Conway and John Nolan as Non-Executive Directors of the Board of David MacBrayne Limited (DML). 

In making these appointments, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said 

“I welcome these appointments as they will bring substantial experience and expertise to the Board. These appointments will help ensure the views of island communities are represented at the Board and contribute to the continued delivery and improvement of the quality of service that Scottish Ministers and communities expect.” 

Scottish Ministers remain committed to ensuring that island communities play a central role in shaping the future of ferry services in Scotland. This commitment is reflected in the appointment of island representatives to the Boards of ferry organisations serving these communities—embedding island perspectives in decision-making. 

 

Non-Executive Directors 

Lucy Conway, an islander based on Eigg, brings extensive personal, business, and community experience in addressing the challenges essential ferry services pose for island communities. She is a Director of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, which manages the community-owned island and works to improve access to opportunities and services. Her career has focused on creative and community economic development, including roles with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Inspiring Scotland to deliver the Scottish Government’s Island Communities Fund. 

On Eigg, Lucy has worked at the local primary school, volunteered as a Community First Responder, and runs a self-catering business on her croft. She is a founding member of Visit Small Isles and SCOTO (Scotland’s Community Tourism Network) and serves on the SSEN Transmission Regional Community Benefit Fund panel. Prior to settling on Eigg, Lucy also lived in communities across the Highlands and Islands. 

John Nolan brings over 35 years of experience in senior technology roles, having developed and operated systems across banking, oil, eCommerce, telecommunications, advertising, media, and transportation. He served as Chief Technology Advisor to the UK Met Office and has held CTO positions in several organisations. He provides guidance to corporations and start-ups on technology strategy and operational processes and is recognised as an ACM Distinguished Engineer. Based in Scotland for the past 25 years, John is a frequent visitor to the Scottish Islands and aspires to make one his home in the near future. 

 

Appointments 

The appointments are for three years and run from 3 November 2025 to 2 November 2028. 

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

 

Remuneration and time commitment 

The appointments attract remuneration of £320.00 per day for a time commitment of three days per month. 

 

Other Ministerial appointments 

Lucy Conway and John Nolan 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. 

Lucy Conway and John Nolan have had no political activity within the last five years. 

 

Background 

With over 170 years’ experience, DML is one of Scotland’s longest continually running businesses.  It is wholly owned by Scottish Ministers and is a key component of our transport network, providing essential ferry connectivity to our islands and remote communities.  DML employs around 2100 people with an annual turnover of approximately £328 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 vital, essential services and logistical support to island and remote communities. Representing a key commitment by Scottish Ministers to deliver reliable, resilient, and customer-focused ferry services that meet the needs of the people of Scotland