Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 16 June 2000 For Use: Immediately

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar today appointed Mr. Bill Howat as Chief Executive.

Mr. Howat was appointed from four candidates and will take up his new post in September.

He is currently Head of Division in the Scottish Executive Development Department and has worked in the Civil Service for 20 years. He was educated at the University of Strathclyde and Jordanhill College of Education. Mr. Howat has a BSc (Hons) in Economics and Econometrics. Mr. Howatt also has an FE Teaching Diploma in Business and an MSc.

Speaking today, Mr. Howat said:

"I am delighted to have been successful and consider it a privilege to have been selected from what was a very strong list of candidates. I am looking forward to taking up the challenge of my new post and to living and working in the Western Isles."

Convener Alex MacDonald said:

"I congratulate Bill Howat on his appointment. I and my colleagues are very much looking forward to working with him. I would like to say thank you to all the candidates in what was a very strong field."

Mr. Howat is married with two children.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer