Governance

Mallaig Harbour Authority is one of over 30 Trust Ports operating in Scotland. Trust ports are independent statutory bodies, governed by their own local legislation and run by independent boards who manage the assets of the trust for the benefit of stakeholders.

Mallaig Harbour Authority is administered by an appointed Board of Trustees under the terms of The Mallaig Harbour Revision (Constitution) Order 2012. The Board of Trustees consists of nine members, eight appointed by the Authority, and the Port Manager or Senior Executive of the Authority as long as he or she remains in the employment of the Authority.

Each appointed member serves a three year term, and can be appointed for a maximum of three terms. Appointed members shall be a person who appears to have a special knowledge, experience or ability appropriate to the efficient and economic discharge by the Authority of its function, including knowledge, experience or ability in one of the following matters:-

  • Management of Harbours;

  • Shipping or other forms of transport;

  • The fishing industry;

  • Safety of personnel management;

  • Industrial marketing or information technology;

  • Civil engineering and environmental matters affecting harbours;

  • The law of Scotland;

  • Water related leisure activities and;

  • Any other skills and abilities considered from time to time by the Members to be relevant to the discharge by them of their functions

Our Board

Chair: Gavin Davis

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Gavin Davis has Chaired the Board since 2021. Gavin has a Project Management background, working in the nuclear industry before purchasing the West Highland Hotel in Mallaig with his wife, who is originally from the area, in 2010.

Gavin is a member of the Retained Fire Service in Mallaig, as well as being involved in the organisation of the annual Mallaig and Morar Highland Games, and ‘a Write Highland Hoolie’ Book Festival which takes place within the West Highland Hotel each November.

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Vice chair: nicola robertson

Nicola (Niki) Robertson brings experience in community development, project management and the arts, together with practical knowledge of the transport and freight sector serving the West Highlands and Small Isles. Niki was instrumental in the build of Mallaig and Morar Community Centre in 2001.

She later worked with CalMac as a member of the Small Isles Freight team, giving her a strong understanding of the vital role that ports, harbours and lifeline transport services play in supporting island communities and local businesses.

Niki is a member of Mallaig Community Council and a Trustee of the Road to the Isles Facilities Group. She currently works for the West Highland Tea Company, a family business established by her daughter.

sandra mclean

‍Sandra McLean is a local business owner, who has owned and run several successful businesses. She is Chair of Mallaig Community Council and has recently led the campaign for better ferry services on behalf of the Community Council and local business owners.

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helen webb

‍ Helen Webb is employed by Scottish Forestry, an agency of the Scottish Government, and is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. She has close associations with the RNLI locally – her partner is a Crew Member, and Helen is a member of the Mallaig fundraising Group. Helen has two young children and is Chair of the Corragan Beaga Mallaig toddler group.

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jim wilson

Jim Wilson’s connection with Mallaig began when he was employed locally by Hydro Electric. Having worked in the electricity sector for a number of years, he currently runs his own consultancy business, and has been heavily involved in the upgrade of energy provision on Knoydart. Jim is a keen sailor, and golfer, and is Secretary of Strathtay Golf Club.   

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david macdonald

‍David MacDonald is employed by Denholm Fishselling Limted, and manages their operations locally. He has been involved with the fishing industry all his working life, mainly based in Mallaig but also for a period in Buckie on the East Coast.  

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karen johnston

‍Karen Johnston spent most of her career in supply chain management in the Aquaculture industry, particularly with salmon feed, and was instrumental in the establishment of the feed warehouse on the Harbour. A highly respected professional within the industry, she was also employed by Salmon Scotland for a period. Having moved to Mallaig, she has now established her own business locally, but still maintains close connections to the Aquaculture sector.

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peter hillier

Peter Hillier brings his financial expertise to the Board. A graduate of Cardiff University (BSc. Hons. Maritime Studies),  Peter has over 30 years’ experience in the financial sector including Head of Office for Cazenove Capital in Scotland, Peter is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment and is a Freeman of the City of London. He served as Master of the Royal Company of Merchants from 2019-2021 and is a Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh. 

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Jacqueline mcdonell (CEO)

Jacqueline has been CEO of the Harbour Authority since 2019. A graduate of Stirling University, Jacqueline started her career as the first Development Officer for the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, before working for Highlands and Islands Enterprise in various Business and Community Development Roles.

Outside her role with the Harbour, Jacqueline is involved in a number of community initiatives locally, including as Chair of Mallaig and Morar Community Centre Association, Vice Chair of the Road to the Isles Facilities Group and a Trustee of the local newspaper, West Word.  

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Further information