Rory Mair (chair)  Rory is the independent chair of Opportunity Black Isle.  He lives in Fortrose, was chair of Citizens Advice Scotland until recently, and before that held senior roles in COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the former Ross and Cromarty District Council; he was awarded a CBE in 2012 for his services to local government.

Becky Richmond (vice-chair)  Becky was the project manager for the Black Isle Local Place Plan and is determined not to let it just sit on a shelf.  Her day job is a walking tour guide.  Becky's qualifications are BA (Hons), MLitt, FSA Scot.

Helen Barton  Helen has lived on the Black Isle for almost 40 years, and is a resident of North Kessock. Her main areas of interest in the Black Isle Place Plan include Community Engagement, Affordable Housing, Community-Owned Assets, Community Land Use, Sustainable Communities, and Culture and Heritage. 

Stephen Doughty  Black Isle resident for 33 years. Founded on a professional career as a people and business development practitioner, Stephen’s main interests are in local adult education and training opportunities as well as general economic development. He is also concerned about environmental and quality of life issues on the Black Isle. 

Bob Latimer  A well-known and trusted face around Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Bob brings his deep roots as both a local resident and Community Council Treasurer to the Opportunity Black Isle board, leveraging his strong ability to advocate at senior levels within local government, business networks, and education sectors to successfully drive the Local Place Plan forward.

Ewen Macintosh  Ewen joined Opportunity Black Isle to help involve people in decisions that affect them and their area. He lives near Culbokie and has a background in community development and social research. 

Nigel Shapcott  Retired Mechanical Engineer, volunteering in Highland local and regional organisations (2014 to date): Clinical Scientist, Swansea and Head of Medical Physics, North Wales NHS (2001-2013): and Rehabilitation Engineering (wheelchairs) in the USA In Buffalo, NY; Memphis, TN; and Pittsburgh, PA (1985-2001).

Paige Shepherd  Born and raised on the Black Isle, Paige is a local girl through and through. As chair of the Cromarty and District Community Council for the last 6 years, building a better life for young people which include affordable homes and jobs has spurred her to be involved with the Opportunity Black Isle board. Her local knowledge and passion for all things Black Isle sees her dedicated to bringing the local place plan to life.

Theo Stratton  With a background in commercial insurance, Theo has championed a number of local, environmental and rural affairs issues along with a keen focus on community led projects. Having served as the Chair of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council for the past 3 years, he is excited to support the real benefits the Black Isle Local Place Plan can bring locally.

Highland Council Councillors for Wards 8 Dingwall and Seaforth) and 9 (Black Isle) are also automatically members of the Board. For more information, see About the Board.

Nick Wright, who helped to facilitate and prepare the Place Plan with Becky, is not a Board member but currently provides independent voluntary support to the Board as needed.