Executive Chief Officer – Communities and Place appointed

Allan Gunn has been appointed by The Highland Council as Executive Chief Officer – Communities and Place.

Mr Gunn was recently Interim Executive Chief Officer – Communities and Place with the Council since January 2022 prior to which he was Executive Chief Officer - Transformation (from 2020) and Chief Officer Resources (Care and Learning) from 2019-2020.

Donna Manson, Chief Executive, Highland Council said: “Many congratulations to Allan on his appointment. He provides a wealth of experience and knowledge to the executive leadership of the Council which will help us to lead the authority through the many service delivery challenges and opportunities for our communities in the coming years ahead.”

Allan has previously held 3 positions of Head of Service with the Council from 2011 – 2019 in Business Support, Revenues and Customer Services roles.

Allan attended Kingussie Primary School and Kingussie High School and received a BA (with Distinction) in Business and Management through the UHI in 2010.  

He said: “I am delighted to be appointed as Executive Chief Officer – Communities and Place. It is a great opportunity to continue to work with, support and lead Service staff.  I also look forward to connecting and working with the communities and partners of the Highlands.  

“Across the Highlands, the challenges and opportunities can vary, and I am keen that, together, we develop solutions to help meet local needs.”

The Council’s Communities and Place Service is responsible for: amenities and public conveniences; bereavement and crematorium services; City and Ward management and community support co-ordination; community engagement; Community Planning and Community Asset Transfers; Customer and Registrar services; Environmental Health; the Council’s stores, logistics, fleet and plant; tackling poverty, inequality and Human Rights; and Waste strategy, operations and street cleaning.