Two of Scotland’s most respected public figures have been appointed to lead a fresh and determined effort to address poverty and inequality across the Highlands.
Maggie Cunningham and Dr Jim McCormick will serve as co-chairs of the newly formed Poverty and Equality Commission, a multi-partner initiative aimed at transforming how public services respond to poverty-related challenges in the region.
Their appointments bring heavyweight experience, deep understanding, and a clear sense of purpose to a cause that affects far too many lives across Highland communities.
Cunningham, a familiar name in broadcasting, spent more than two decades at the BBC in senior roles, including Head of Radio Scotland and Joint Head of Programmes and Services.
Beyond media, her leadership has spanned many cultural and civic organisations including MG Alba, An Comunn Gàidhealach, and Sistema Scotland, always championing community development and access to opportunity.
Dr McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust, has long been one of Scotland’s most trusted voices on poverty and social justice.
His previous roles include leading the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s work in Scotland, chairing the Edinburgh Poverty Commission, and advising on social security reform at both Scottish and UK levels.
He is known for shaping solutions that are rooted in both data and lived experience.
Together, Cunningham and McCormick are expected to drive a bolder and more coordinated approach to poverty alleviation, working in close partnership with Highland Council and Community Planning bodies.
The Commission will provide expert, independent recommendations to the Council, holding a mirror to the region’s efforts and helping reshape how services reach the people who need them most.
Their leadership comes with cross-party backing.
Council Leader Raymond Bremner praised the appointments, calling the new Commission “progressive and positive” and saying its work would “make a difference to people’s lives.”
Convener Bill Lobban welcomed the independence of the new Chairs, noting their role would ensure “impartial expertise” was central to the Commission’s mission.
Opposition Leader Alasdair Christie echoed that support, describing the pair as bringing “a breadth of knowledge and understanding” to the task of improving outcomes for individuals and families across the Highlands.
The Commission’s membership will include elected councillors as well as representatives from the public sector, third sector, and community organisations.
It held its first meeting on 1 May, and an update on progress will be brought before Highland Council in June.
The work ahead is not easy, but with leadership of this calibre, the Highlands are taking a meaningful step toward tackling the deep-rooted challenges of poverty and inequality — with compassion, clarity and courage.
