By Karen Peattie

The Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) has appointed a new chairman and two new members to its board.

Roger Eddie, the current vice-chairman, becomes chairman with Hugh Mitchell taking on the vice-chairman’s role.

A non-executive director of Springfield Properties, Mr Edie was previously a specialist business banker with 35 years’ experience in the sector, mainly in the Highlands and Islands. He was also a senior development manager with Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Meanwhile, Zeina Melville and Graham Peach have joined the board. Ms Melville is currently executive commercial director at precision engineering company Pryme Group and was formerly managing director at Melville Business Consulting.

Mr Peach joins the board following a 30-year career in the Royal Navy where he rose to the position of director of surface combatants (Commodore rank), managing more than 60 major vessels and 165 staff.

He latterly owned and managed an international maritime support and disaster management consultancy firm.

Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port of Cromarty Firth, said that Mr Edie’s knowledge and experience “will stand us in good stead as we look to build on the Port’s recent successes, including our record-breaking cruise figures and year-on-year growth”.

He added: “Zeina and Graham are excellent additions to our board. Their vast experience, expertise and specialist knowledge add significant strength to a board that already works well together.”

Over the past six years, Port of Cromarty Firth has generated more profit and value to the regional economy per head than many other UK ports, 100% of which is reinvested into its future development.