THE board of the eagerly awaited Dornoch Business Improvement District has been unveiled.
The news has been warmly welcomed by Neil Hampton, general manager of the Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
Neil chaired the steering group which helped pave the way to an initiative which will champion the town and its hinterland.
“It’s great to see the board coming together and we wish them well in their endeavours,” he said.
“The BID will provide the community with a collective voice, with board directors also representing the various sectors within the business community.
The directors will be familiar to many members of the golf club.
The inaugural board chairperson is Ginny Knox, a career marketeer and general manager with corporate directorial experience within Coca-Cola and Ranks Hovis McDougall, who now runs self-catering accommodation at Embo House and The Meadows House.
The vice-chair role is filled by Sutherland native Kyle Mackay, Front of House Manager at The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle.
Ginny has also agreed to take responsibility for the Self-Catering, B&B and Guest Houses sector while Kyle, who has worked at Skibo for nearly a decade, will fly the flag for Large Tourism.
“We all share a passion and commitment to work collaboratively with the Dornoch business community to improve the working, trading and economic stability of the area we live and work in,” said Ginny.
“Initially the board plans to meet every fortnight as we urgently draw-up plans for the year ahead and respond to feedback from businesses in the area.
“The board will work together with the business community to make the initiative a rewarding experience for all.”
Businesses are receiving notice of the first BID levy this week and any queries should be directed to Highland Council at nondomesticrates@highland.gov.uk
The new BID treasurer, and the man sharing responsibility for Self-Catering, B&B and Guest Houses, is Gavin Ferguson, of Strathview Lodge.
A long-time engineering consultant, Gavin has also amassed valuable experience in marketing, event management, IT and social media.
Well-known licensed trade operator Suzanne De Venny, of the town’s Eagle Hotel, will care for Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants.
Alongside husband Eric, she spearheaded the town’s Covid-19 response, setting-up a well-received community food share initiative.
Self-catering owner, chartered management accountant and finance director Mark Grant will look after Professional Services and Other, along with Rob Smith, of Davochfin Farm.
Aberdeen-based Mark is a regular visitor to Dornoch, where he owns two apartments.
Rob, who recently moved to the area with his young family, has quickly made his mark on the local leisure offering with the provision of upgraded facilities at Davochfin’s golf driving range and fishing lochans.
With a range of business management experience under his belt, including an advisory role to The Prince’s Trust, Rob brings a younger perspective to the BID board.
Retail will be spearheaded by local stalwart and pharmacist Gareth Dixon of Mitchell’s Chemist.
A volunteer with the East Sutherland Rescue Association lifeboat, Gareth played a key role on the BID steering group.
Local councillor Jim McGillivray will represent Highland Council on the board and one more director is being sought.