Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) has appointed Christopher Holliday as chair and Gillian Woolman as a non-executive director.
Holliday will take over from Lorna Jack, who steps down from the HIAL board on January 31, 2026.
“Chris, who has over 40 years’ experience in regional aviation, has served as a non-executive director since March 2020 and is currently Chair of the Safety, Security, and Environmental Committee,” said HIAL.
“He has over 20 years in senior executive and non-executive roles with regional airlines operating in Scotland and other island communities. He will take over the role of Chair on 1 February 2026.”
Jack said: “Chris has been an outstanding Board Member and has been instrumental in our strategic planning and drive to future-proof our airports.
“The role of Chair of the HIAL Board is one of the most rewarding roles I’ve undertaken, and I will be passing the baton to someone who already has a deep understanding of our business.
“I am sure Chris will guide HIAL’s strategic direction with energy and professionalism.”
Woolman joined the HIAL board on December 22. She is a Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and a Trustee and the Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee of the Royal High School Preservation Trust.
Jack said: “I’m delighted to welcome such a highly experienced individual to our board. Gillian’s considerable experience, skills, and breadth of knowledge will complement our existing membership and contribute significantly to HIAL’s future strategic direction.
“Gillian replaces the skills and experience of Loraine Strachan, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Loraine for her contribution and positive impact as a Board member.”
The chair appointment attracts remuneration of £345.92 per day for a time commitment of six days per month. The Non-Executive Director appointment attracts £332.89 per day for a time commitment of two days per month.
HIAL is a public body wholly owned by Scottish Ministers. The company operates and manages 11 airports in the Highlands and Islands — Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick — as well as Dundee.
None of HIAL’s airports operates on a solely commercial basis and the Scottish Government provides subsidy to HIAL “to close the gap between commercial revenue and operating costs to enable the continued operation of safe and regulatory compliant airports.”
HIAL is also a private company and those appointed to the board will also be a limited company director registered at Companies House for HIAL and subsidiaries Dundee Airport Limited and Airport Management Services Limited.