Highland Council appoints first woman to top £147K a year post

Donna Manson was selected from seven high-calibre candidates who were whittled down from an initial 28-strong list of applicants, several of whom are high ranking council officials from across the UK.

The shortlist comprised four men and three women. The job pays £147,989.

Steve Barron is due to step down as chief executive shortly after five years in the role.

Mrs Manson started her career teaching in areas of deprivation. She worked in education in Edinburgh and Fife before going into her current post with the Scottish Borders Council, where she has gained extensive experience of all council areas and working with partners as a corporate director.

She said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the public in the Highlands and one of my main priorities is to focus on retaining the talent of our people in their local communities by creating local learning and training opportunities linked to jobs, housing and high quality Council services.

“I am ambitious that the council is a strong and visible presence in local areas and viewed to be playing a positive and productive role, working with local businesses, partners and the public for the benefit of both local people and visitors to the Highlands.

"I am confident that the council can thrive and overcome the challenging budget times and I look forward to being out in communities with staff, listening to people within their local area and working together on matters that are important to them.”

She has been a regular visitor to all areas in the Highlands for over 30 years as a sailor and hillwalker, and when visiting family in Thurso and Inverness with her husband Drew who is from Thurso. She has a grown up son, Andrew.

She added: “It is a real honour and privilege to have the opportunity to serve the Highlands with the staff team of Highland Council. This really is a once in a

lifetime job in the most amazing place that is the Highlands and so much part

of my family.”

Leader of the council Margaret Davidson said: “I am very pleased and excited to welcome Donna Manson to her new role. Donna will be an excellent chief executive - she has great energy and experience that will serve Highland very well. I know she will work well with our staff and I personally am looking forward to working with her.”