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ABERDEEN HARBOUR BOARD APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN

Aberdeen Harbour Board has appointed Keith Allan as its new Chairman.

A University of Aberdeen graduate, Keith was previously Director of Technical Services for Shell (UK) Exploration and Production and is currently a board member of NATCO Group, a New York Stock Exchange, publicly quoted company and Chairman of Solstad Offshore UK. Keith has been a member of Aberdeen Harbour Board for 18 years, including 12 years as Vice-chairman.

He replaces David Paton OBE, who stepped down at the end of December after more than 24 years as a Board member and 15 years as Chairman.

Keith said: "I hope to carry on David’s good work and successes as Chairman. It is an honour to be involved in such an integral part of the North East infrastructure. Going forward, the Board has approved a £65 million capital expenditure programme for the next five years, in order to meet the requirements of the port’s diverse range of existing and potential users".

Aberdeen Harbour handles around five million tonnes of cargo, valued at £1.5 billion, and growing levels of shipping for a wide range of industries. With more than £200 million invested by the Board in the last 30 years, the port is one of the most modern in Europe.

Aberdeen Harbour Board’s chief executive, Colin Parker, said: "I take great pleasure in welcoming Keith into his new role. These are exciting times for the Harbour as we continue to grow and further implement our five-year plan, which includes a number of significant developments, allowing us to maintain our position as one of the busiest ports in the UK".

The post of Vice-chairman has been filled by Alan Amoore, who has been a Board member for the last six years during which, he has been the Chairman of the Board’s Audit Committee.

The Board also welcomed two new members with effect from 1st January. Joining the Board were:

Chris Lloyd, a Chartered Accountant, until recently managing director responsible for European operations within ASCO Group and, since 2006, the Chairman and chief executive of his own group of companies offering waste solutions and environmental services to the oil and gas sector.

Chris is also a Board member of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and was previously a member of the UK Oil and Gas Supply Chain Committee.

David Young is a former chartered surveyor and is currently involved as a team member of Knight Frank LLP’s planning and development section. David previously spent 25 years in the Estates Departments of Grampian Regional Council and Aberdeenshire Council, latterly as commercial development manager. During this time he served on the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Forum Land Task Force.

In 2003, David was elected to the Board of Grampian Housing Association where he was more recently Board chairman. He is also a Board member of housing organisations Kirkgate Developments and Devanha Limited.