Councillor John Finlayson has been appointed Chair of The Highland Council’s Skye and Raasay Area Committee.
His appointment was made yesterday (15 August 2022), at the first Skye and Raasay Area Committee held since this year’s local Government election.
After accepting the chair, Councillor John Finlayson opened by holding a two minute silence as a mark of respect for those affected by the Skye and Wester Ross tragic incidents on Wednesday 10 August 2022.
The time of reflection allowed the committee to acknowledge their condolences, thoughts and prayers following the events that took place in Ward 10 and in the neighbouring Ward 5.
Cllr John Finlayson said:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to all those who have suffered directly and indirectly from the tragic events.
“We are all saddened and shocked by the terrible tragedies and our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted and also the wider communities across the west coast who will be affected for some time yet.
“As has been widely reported, Members and Council Officers along with other agencies, churches and community groups are all here to support in whatever ways are deemed necessary and will be for some time to come.”
Normal business resumed and following a vote, the position of Vice Chair was accepted by Councillor Calum Munro.
During the meeting members also had an opportunity to listen to the local Scottish Fire and Rescue performance report and a presentation on the Portree Harbour Levelling Up Fund application bid.
Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Finlayson added:
“I’d like to take the opportunity as the newly appointed Chair of Skye and Raasay Area Committee to thank my fellow Members for the dedication, accountability and scrutiny that they bring to area meetings.
“It enables us to challenge, improve and be proactive to ensure positive outcomes for the people of Eilean a’ Cheo – Ward 10.
“I look forward to chairing the Area Committee and serving the people of Skye and Raasay and am keen that as an Area Committee we continue to ensure we strongly promote localism in the work that we do.
“Skye and Raasay while an integral part of the Highland Council, very much has its own identity and its own individual challenges and opportunities and it is important that myself and my fellow Councillors, continue to listen and work with local communities as we develop our priorities over the next 5 years.”
