HIE Board welcomes shadow member

Chartered rural surveyor Mary Bowman is learning what it is like to serve on the Board of a public body.

Mary joined Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in January as a shadow Board member working one day a month for an 18-month period.

While she has no official Board member status or voting rights, Mary is getting involved in all aspects of the HIE Board’s work.

Originally from Edinburgh she now lives in Nairn and worked in farming, field sports and equestrian roles across north Scotland before returning to the capital to study for a rural business management degree.

She now works for newly established firm Highland Rural, which covers estate management, valuation, renewables, utilities, agricultural consultancy, purchase and sale, strategy and most other land-based matters.

Mary has specialist knowledge in the renewable energy sector, representing both landowners and developers in agreeing the necessary land rights for new onshore and offshore projects.

Commenting on her HIE role, she said:

“I’ve lived in different parts of the Highlands and Islands since my teens and am both proud and happy to call the region home.

“There are challenges with rural and island living, but also great opportunities and I’ve been very fortunate to have developed my career here.

“This is a pivotal time for the Highlands and Islands and I am greatly looking forward to learning more about the support given to the wide range of businesses and communities in my new role as a shadow board member with HIE.”

Welcoming her as a shadow Board member, chair Alistair Dodds said:

“As a shadow Board member Mary is gaining insight into HIE’s work and what being on a Board is like. But she’s also got a lot to contribute. Her professional experience and skills in areas such as renewable energy and the green freeport development and her broad knowledge of the Highlands and Islands region are all valuable to our work.

“While she is a shadow Board member, this is an active role and we’re welcoming Mary’s input to the Board’s deliberations while she benefits from the experience.”