CBE for council chief executive

Orkney Islands Council Chief Executive Alistair Buchan has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for 2014.

Mr Buchan took on the role, at the age of 33, in 1997. He was Scotland’s youngest chief executive of an all-purpose council and today he is the longest serving of Scotland’s 32 local authority chief executives.

His career in local government began in 1988 as a personnel officer with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar –  the Western Isles Council.

In 2010, he was seconded to Shetland Islands Council as Chief Executive, returning to Orkney Islands Council in 2012.

Mr Buchan said: “I owe my career to the islands’ councils, but especially to Orkney for the immense privilege it has been to hold a chief executive’s job in my homeland.  It is my great fortune to have known many fine people throughout my life who have given me wise advice and the most generous support.  I have a deep sense of gratitude in accepting this honour, not for me but for them.”

OIC convener, Councillor Steven Heddle said: “I am personally delighted by Alistair’s appointment as a CBE.

“Under his stewardship, the council has consistently punched above its weight and been innovative in the way it serves our islands.

“This honour reflects the enormous contribution he has made over many years to local government and to our community. It is thoroughly well deserved for Alistair, for the council and for Orkney.”