NAFC Marine Centre Director, Peter Dryburgh, has announced his decision to resign after four years in the post.
Mr Dryburgh explained: “My role at the NAFC has always been interesting and, in the time I’ve been here, I feel we have had many notable successes in teaching, research and commercial services, particularly as we are an independent organisation in a remote location.
“Over the past six months we have been reviewed by Professor Tony Hawkins on behalf of Shetland Islands Council. The process sought to determine the value for money provided in exchange for the funding received from the Shetland public purse. The review is very supportive of our activities – praising many of them and suggesting some structural changes to help the organisation achieve its full potential.
“Since joining, a major priority has been to secure core funding for many NAFC activities and I am pleased that annual funding is in place for 2008/09. A longer term funding mechanism for the Centre is an important goal and efforts are being made to address this.
“Having secured core funding for next year, and having guided the NAFC through this review process, I feel that is a good time for me to pass the responsibility for leading and driving the team forward over to a fresh pair of hands.
“I wish the NAFC Marine Centre all the best for the future and am confident that my replacement can depend on the excellent staff to ensure that the Centre continues to play a vital role in Shetland’s economy.”
