Tuesday, 04 March 2008

NAFC MARINE CENTRE DIRECTOR TO MOVE ON

 

NAFC Marine Centre Director, Peter Dryburgh, has today (4 March) announced his decision to resign after four years in the post.

 

Mr Dryburgh explained: “My role at the NAFC has always been interesting and, in the time I’ve been here, I feel we have had many notable successes in teaching, research and commercial services, particularly as we are an independent organisation in a remote location.

 

“Over the past six months we have been reviewed by Professor Tony Hawkins on behalf of Shetland Islands Council.  The process sought to determine the value for money provided in exchange for the funding received from the Shetland public purse.  The review is very supportive of our activities – praising many of them and suggesting some structural changes to help the organisation achieve its full potential.

 

“Since joining, a major priority has been to secure core funding for many NAFC activities and I am pleased that annual funding is in place for 2008/09.  A longer term funding mechanism for the Centre is an important goal and efforts are being made to address this.

 

“Having secured core funding for next year, and having guided the NAFC through this review process, I feel that is a good time for me to pass the responsibility for leading and driving the team forward over to a fresh pair of hands.

 

“I wish the NAFC Marine Centre all the best for the future and am confident that my replacement can depend on the excellent staff to ensure that the Centre continues to play a vital role in Shetland’s economy.”

 

Commenting on the decision, chairperson of the Trust, Iris Hawkins, added: “I’m disappointed that Peter has decided to leave but I can understand with his family now living on the mainland that his personal circumstances have led him to this decision.  However, with funding in place for 2008/09 and the Centre in a stable position, Peter has left a good legacy for his successor.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his contribution over the last four years.”

Sandy Cluness, convener of Shetland Islands Council, added: “I’m sorry to see Peter leave – we’ve worked very closely together at NAFC over the years, and I’m very aware of Peter’s commitment to his students and to the future of the Centre.  However, it’s clear that for personal reasons and having guided the trustees through the implications of the recent review proposals, Peter clearly feels that it is a suitable time to move on.  We wish Peter well for the future.”

 

Further information from:

Peter Dryburgh, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772000, email

Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email