Scottish Ministers are looking to fill three non-executive director positions on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Board, with the new appointees expected to take up their appointments in the summer.

The agency operates throughout a geographically diverse region that covers more than half of the Scottish land mass, including all 94 inhabited islands, and is home to around 470,000 people.

With around 300 staff based across the region, HIE aims to grow successful, productive, and resilient businesses; create conditions for growth, and build strong, capable, and resourceful communities.

The board has corporate responsibility for strong governance, ensuring HIE meets objectives set by Scottish Ministers and uses its resources efficiently and effectively.

All candidates will be expected to have a very close affinity with the Highlands and Islands and a strong awareness of opportunities and challenges facing businesses and communities across the region.

At least two of the three positions on the board will be filled by people who are currently living, working or studying in the Highlands and Islands.

Alistair Dodds, chair of HIE, said: “HIE is an ambitious organisation which is currently playing a vital role in supporting businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and build a greener, fairer, sustainable future.

“It’s important that our board encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and experience to reflect the diversity of our region and the economic and community development challenges and opportunities that exist in this part of Scotland.

“A key theme is the pursuit of place-based opportunities – recognising the role that natural and built capital and cultural assets such as Gaelic can play in growing and sustaining a strong region that contributes fully to the success of Scotland.”

He added: “As a board, we come from a range of backgrounds but have at least two things in common: our passion for the Highlands and Islands and our commitment to make a positive difference to the wellbeing and prosperity of all those who live here.

“I would encourage anyone who shares that passion, and who has the experience we’re seeking in business, community development and economic growth, to consider applying to join us.”

Applications will particularly be welcomed from Gaelic speakers and people with protected characteristics that are currently under-represented on the Board of HIE, including women, disabled people, LGBTI+ people, those from black and minority ethnic communities and people aged under 50.

Members of the HIE Board are expected to devote two days per month to the role. The term of appointment will be for three years from 13 June 2022.