New chief executive for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Western Isles local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has appointed a new chief executive.

Martin Joyce, who is an executive director at urban regeneration company Clyde Gateway, starts in his new role at the beginning of April.

He is due to replace Malcolm Burr who is retiring after 20 years as the most senior council official in the Western Isles.

The starting salary is £136,389 but that will increase to £165,755 in November next year under a new pay agreement.

Mr Joyce is a qualified architect and started his career in the private sector before moving to work for a number of different public bodies.

This included Scottish Borders Council where he was director of assets and infrastructure for four years.

He also previously worked in the Western Isles as head of operations for the £125m Western Isles Schools Project.

Mr Joyce said it was an honour to accept the position of chief executive and thanked councillors for placing their faith and confidence in him.

He said: "I look forward to leading Comhairle nan Eilean Siar at what is a time of great opportunity for the Western Isles."

"As I prepare to move into the role I will prioritise developing my understanding of the comhairle and your communities to ensure that I am best placed to lead the delivery of high-quality services to the people of the Western Isles."