Tourism group appoints new chairman

The Orkney Tourism Group has appointed a new chairman – local businessman Gareth Crichton.

Mr Crichton replaces Malcolm Macrae, who has decided to stand down.

As a former chief executive of the Orkney Tourist Board, Mr Crichton is no stranger to the promotion of Orkney’s tourism sector.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to leading the board, and through our efforts increasing the profile of what is a vitally important sector of the Orkney economy; bringing forward new developments in our products and services and very much increasing the exposure of the islands as the holiday destination of choice within Scotland.”

One of Mr Crichton’s first tasks in office is to lead the annual tourism conference, which takes place in Kirkwall on Thursday.