After 14 extraordinary years at the helm of Mull and Iona Community Trust, Moray Finch is set to retire in September. MICT is now seeking a new CEO who will lead the organisation in its next phase, and with many new essential projects and services, it is set to be an exciting journey.
During Moray’s stewardship, the trust has gone from strength to strength and among other assets, now owns, on behalf of the community, a forest, business park, enterprise centre and eight houses . MICT, established in 1997, is recognised as one of the leading and more successful Development Trusts in Scotland with more than 20 staff and the longest serving employee of 25 years, which is an outstanding record. With a pay role of £400,00 annually, it is also one of the larger employers on the island and a major contributor to the local economy. The trust, which is dedicated to improving the lives of those living on Mull and its associated islands, has a network of more than thirty defibrillators, supports a regular dementia singing group and recently built a helipad next to the community hospital to reduce delays in evacuating critically ill patients.
One of 350 members of Development Trust Association Scotland, MICT has a committed board of directors, elected from the community, with a wide range of relevant experience and background. A mechanical engineer by training, Moray joined MICT as General Manager in February 2011 bringing a range of transferrable skills from his time in design, manufacturing and construction industries as well as directly relevant experience with a major community development project in rural north Yorkshire.
Quote – Convenor Sandy Brunton said “We will miss Moray’s drive and determination. He has always been there to sort out the problems – whether a breakdown of a community transport vehicle or the heating not working in one of the houses. His reputation for never letting a politician or official get away with not doing the things they committed to is well known. His shoes will be challenging to fill but we are confident that this exciting opportunity will lead to even greater heights for our community. The volunteers, staff and board will miss him, his commitment and his dry sense of humour. Although he has said he will now be spending more of his time refurbishing his newly purchased house and with family, we are grateful that he has agreed to help out with a couple of the projects he is deeply connected with”.
