Historic Environment Scotland poaches Alex Paterson for chief executive

ALEX Paterson is to become chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland. He will join the public body for heritage from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, where he has been chief executive since 2010. Acting chief executive and director of conservation David Mitchell will remain in post until Mr Paterson moves later in the year.

Mr Paterson initially joined Highlands and Islands Enterprise in 2001. During this time he has overseen the organisation's strategy for key national sectors and business and community growth, as well as initiatives to improve the region's infrastructure, enhance international trade performance, and promote business innovation.

Jane Ryder, chair of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Alex brings a wealth of experience as the current chief executive of HIE and as an acknowledged leader within the public sector in Scotland. He will be building on the outstanding work of staff to date which led to the launch last month of our first corporate plan and detailed business plan.”

Historic Environment Scotland was formed late last year, bringing together Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland to create a new public body to care for, protect and promote Scotland’s historic environment.

The organisation’s remit spans a number of areas, from conservation and research to planning and tourism. It is Scotland’s largest operator of visitor attractions with 3.5 million visitors annually to properties in its care, including Scotland’s biggest visitor attraction Edinburgh Castle.

Compliance move at Anderson Strathern

ANDERSON Strathern Asset Management has appointed June Hanney as compliance manager, based at its Edinburgh headquarters.

Ms Hanney brings with her over 25 years of financial services experience, from RBS, Huntswood Associates and Martin Aitken & Co among others. She joins from One Solution Group where she was group compliance manager working across the firm’s London and Glasgow office.

At Anderson Strathern Asset Management she will work closely with the chief executive, investment team and advisers, leading on compliance oversight, adviser development and FCA reporting. With the compliance landscape constantly evolving, Ms Hanney will continually review controls and processes to ensure best practice keeps pace with changes in the industry.

Alec Stewart, chief executive of Anderson Strathern Asset Management said: “June has a robust background in compliance and a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and reporting. The financial compliance environment is constantly changing and having June on hand in the office to provide advice and ensure we are fully compliant will allow us to concentrate on further growing the business.”

Housing group hires affordable housing boss

HOUSEBUILDER AS Homes (Scotland) has appointed Roddy MacDonald as its affordable housing director.

Mr MacDonald joins the company from national housing and care provider Sanctuary Group, where he spent six years at Sanctuary Scotland, latterly as development director. He will have the responsibility of delivering affordable housing in partnership with various partners across Scotland.

AS Homes (Scotland) builds both private housing and social housing for registered social landlords such as the Wheatley Group, Cube Housing, Homes Scotland and Clydebank Housing Association. The company has recently completed five developments in and around Glasgow, comprising 221 homes in total and has recently gained planning approval on sites in Clydebank and Glasgow’s Anniesland to build a further 100 homes.

Mr MacDonald said: “I like the fact that the company is committed to giving local jobs to local people on each project. I am really looking forward to helping the company grow and in contributing to the regeneration of communities across Scotland.”