New managing director appointed to Picky Centre Trust

June 5, 2018 at 1:59 pm

James Linklater (pictured) has been appointed as the new managing director of the Pickaquoy Centre Trust and will take up the role later this summer.

The Pickaquoy Centre Trust has announced the appointment of James Linklater as their new managing director.

Mr Linklater, who lives in Stenness, brings with him 22 years of leadership experience with expertise in customer service, strategic development and operations.

He has been Serco’s customer care manager at NorthLink Ferries since 2007 managing staff across eight departments. Prior experience includes six years as the centre manager at the St Ola Community Centre and town hall as well as ten years employment with Aberdeen Leisure before returning to Orkney in 2001.

In addition to his employment experience, he is on the board of directors for Destination Orkney, vice-president of the Junior Inter-County committee and president of Kirkwall Thorfinn Football Club.

With full responsibility for the leadership and development of the centre, Mr Linklater will play a key role in strategic development and implementation, stakeholder engagement and identifying and developing funding opportunities.

Stephen Kemp, chair of the Pickaquoy Centre Trust, said: “James’ experience in customer care, strategic development and partnership working are second to none and we are thrilled he will be coming on board. He brings with him a wealth of experience which will be vital in the development and delivery of the Centre’s operations and growth.”

James Linklater added: “I am delighted and honoured to be joining The Pickaquoy Centre team as managing director. We are so fortunate to have such fantastic facilities within our island community, I have no doubt we are the envy of many a town and city on the Scottish mainland.

“The team already in place at Picky provides the Centre with a solid foundation, and I am very much looking forward to leading it through a new chapter of growth and development with an incredibly hard-working and supportive group of people.”

Mr Linklater will take over as the managing director later this summer.

Mr Linklater’s appointment comes following a lengthy investigation into two of the management staff from the centre, the details of which were never made public.

It is understood that the two members of staff left the organisation following the investigation.