Cabinet Secretary for Training, Youth and Women's Employment Angela Constance announced the appointment of new non-executive members to the Board of Skills Development Scotland.

Amongst the appointments is Willie Mackie, Chair of the Board of Management of Ayrshire College.

Willie holds a number of positions within the Ayrshire community. He is a board member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership, chairman of Taste Ayrshire and East Ayrshire Business Enterprise leader.

Willie said: “I am delighted to join the board of Skills Development Scotland at a time when vocational education and training are so critical to the future of our young people and the development of Scotland’s economy. I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of a productive strategic partnership between SDS and the college sector which will ensure that the skills needs of employers across Scotland are met.” The other new SDS Board members are Donald Boyd, Seonag Mackinnon and Grahame Smith. Christine Pollock and Fiona Sasan have also joined the board as co-opted members.

Welcoming the appointments, Ms Constance said: “I am delighted with these appointments that bring a breadth of relevant experience to the expanded board of Skills Development Scotland to help guide it in its pivotal role to support delivery of the Scottish Government’s Economic and Skills Strategies.” Established in 2008 as a non-departmental public body, Skills Development Scotland is the national skills body and offers careers, skills, training and funding services to supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills.