Three New Board Members For CASE

3rd March 2005

The board of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has been strengthened with the appointment of three new directors, who attended their first board meeting this week (Tuesday 1st March).

Joining the Local Enterprise Company's board are Steve Burness, Alexander Murray and Iain Young.

Steve Burness is RWE NUKEM's head of site at Dounreay. He has worked in the petroleum, industrial, power and nuclear industries throughout the world for the past 30 years.

Steve originally worked in Dounreay between 1973 and 1981 before leaving, with his Strathy born wife Carol, to advance his career in Canada, the USA and other countries.

Steve took up his current role with RWE NUKEM in 2000, he was delighted to return to Caithness where he had maintained strong ties throughout his travels and is currently resident in Melvich.

He said: "I am looking forward to making a significant contribution to initiatives mitigating the socio-economic impact of Dounreay Decommissioning."

Also joining the board is Alexander Murray from Rogart. He has run his own farm in Rogart for 40 years and managed an estate in East Sutherland for over 20 years.

Alexander is chairman of the Highlands and Islands Sheep Health Association and has been both a branch and area president of the National Farmers Union.

On a community level he is chairman of the Rogart village hall and enjoys curling.

Until recently, having worked at sea for over 20 years, Iain Young was skipper and owner of a fishing trawler which operated mainly out of his home port of Lochinver. He is now employed by the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency.

He has spent some time as a marine scientist at Aberdeen University's zoology department where he was responsible for running the Scottish part of a European funded fisheries project in 2000 and 2001.

Iain is also a committee member of the Assynt Development Group and assists with a local youth group. In his spare time, he is a keen light aircraft pilot.

Welcoming the new directors, CASE chairman, Pat Buchanan said: "I am delighted to welcome the new directors to the board. Between them they have a vast amount of experience across different sectors, all of which are significant to Caithness and Sutherland.

"My sincere thanks are also extended to Deirdre Mackay, for all her hard work with CASE over the years, as she retires from the board."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

The North Sea's Changing Future: What Does It Mean for Jobs and Investment in Caithness?

The future of the North Sea energy industry is once again attracting considerable attention.  With the UK Government facing difficult decisions about oil and gas production, energy security, investment and the transition towards renewable energy.  

23/10/2026 : Marine Services

HIE funding supports new strategy role at Wick Harbour

Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) is to appoint a new strategy manager after securing up to £52,500 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to help fund the post.   The post holder will help WHA deliver its emerging harbour masterplan and outline business case, strengthen capacity and develop new business opportunities.  

20/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

 
HIE welcomes £350m cable factory opening

The official opening of the UK’s first HVDC subsea cable factory, located at the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross, has been welcomed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).   The facility represents an investment of £350m.  

17/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

When Community Ownership Isn't Enough: The Uncertain Future of GlenWyvis Distillery

The Highland distillery was built with the support of thousands of people who wanted to create something lasting for their community.  Its entry into administration exposes the financial risks facing ambitious local ventures, even when the original idea has widespread public support.  

8/10/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Innovation and AI: New opportunities for businesses across the Highlands and Islands

Innovation has always been a defining characteristic of businesses and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands.   Whether developing new products, finding ways to overcome the challenges of distance and geography, improving services, or identifying new markets, organisations across the region have a long track record of adapting and evolving.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

22/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities

Scotland and Ireland Strengthen Economic Links Between Gaelic Communities Scotland and Ireland are developing closer links between their Gaelic-speaking communities, with housing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, tourism and the marine economy among the areas being explored for future cooperation.   The initiative was highlighted during a visit to Skye by Ireland's President Catherine Connolly, who met representatives of Highland organisations including Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highland Council.