Shetland College seeking new boss as Gray returns to marine centre full-time

Shetland College is looking for a new boss as David Gray returns full-time to running the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway at the request of its board of trustees.

Professor Gray was temporarily appointed joint director of the college and the marine centre in February last year following the retirement of college head George Smith, now an SIC councillor.

But the trustees want him back to help deal with the financial difficulties faced by the higher education sector generally and the regionalisation of the system being introduced by the Scottish government.

SIC director of development Neil Grant, Prof Gray and the Shetland College Board will be putting new arrangements in place.

Chairman of the board, councillor Drew Ratter, said: “I have enjoyed my short period working with David, but entirely understand the Marine Centre’s feeling that he is needed full-time there. When the arrangement was put in place, the Scottish government’s regionalisation strategy was not under consideration, let alone under way, and Shetland Islands Council’s financial situation was not in quite such clear focus as it is today.

“I am confident that suitable interim arrangements can be put in place quickly. This is essential, and I will work hard to achieve that end.”