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Enterprise chief leaving agency Enterprise chief leaving agency
(about 22 hours later)
The chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will leave the post next week for a new government job, the agency has announced. The chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will leave the post for a new government job, the agency has announced.
HIE said Sandy Cumming, 57, had been chosen by the Scottish government to lead its efforts to develop renewable offshore energy in the public sector.HIE said Sandy Cumming, 57, had been chosen by the Scottish government to lead its efforts to develop renewable offshore energy in the public sector.
He will work closely with Energy Minister Jim Mather.He will work closely with Energy Minister Jim Mather.
After the one-year secondment, HIE said Mr Cumming plans to pursue other opportunities.After the one-year secondment, HIE said Mr Cumming plans to pursue other opportunities.
He has held the chief executive post for nine-and-a-half years, but has worked for the agency for most of his career.He has held the chief executive post for nine-and-a-half years, but has worked for the agency for most of his career.
'Best jobs''Best jobs'
Mr Cumming said: "Offshore renewable energy presents Scotland with one of its greatest ever economic opportunities and I am delighted at the prospect of playing a part in developing the sector over the next 12 months."Mr Cumming said: "Offshore renewable energy presents Scotland with one of its greatest ever economic opportunities and I am delighted at the prospect of playing a part in developing the sector over the next 12 months."
He added: "The Highlands and Islands is a special place and it has been my great privilege to serve the area and its people for more than 35 years.He added: "The Highlands and Islands is a special place and it has been my great privilege to serve the area and its people for more than 35 years.
"I genuinely believe that being chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise is one of the best jobs in Scotland.""I genuinely believe that being chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise is one of the best jobs in Scotland."
Finance Secretary John Swinney said Mr Cumming had made an "outstanding contribution" to the economy of the Highlands and Islands.Finance Secretary John Swinney said Mr Cumming had made an "outstanding contribution" to the economy of the Highlands and Islands.