New Moray planning boss

Richard Hartland

MORAY Council has appointed a new director of environmental services.

Richard Hartland (58) has been in charge of planning and building standards at Highland Council since 2006.

He has also worked with West Lothian Council and Gordon District Council.

Mr Hartland will be taking up the Moray job on August 8.

He replaces Bob Stewart, who retired in February.

Born and educated in Edinburgh, although with family roots in west Aberdeenshire, Richard is married and lives near Inverness.

His interests include his two horses, dogs, cats and poultry as well as hillwalking, gardening and watching test cricket.

Councillor Stewart Cree, chairman of the council’s planning and regulatory services committee, said he was delighted to welcome Mr Hartland to the council.

He added: "Richard joins us at a particularly challenging time and I am confident that his extensive experience elsewhere will help the authority to address the issues raised by the current economic downturn and the impact of RAF closures on the wider Moray infrastructure."

Mr Hartland’s remit coversflood alleviation, planning, roads and bridges, housing and environmental health.