Former Highland Council chief executive appointed to major health agency
Former chief executive of Highland Council Steve Barron has just been appointed to a new health agency charged with reforming the approach to the nation’s main public health challenges.
Launched on Monday, Public Health Scotland is accountable to both the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the Scottish Government but the £60 million agency is not thought to play a leading role in combating Covid-19.
The announcement was made by the minister for public health, sport and wellbeing Joe FitzPatrick and on his appointment, Mr Barron wrote in a Twitter post: “Delighted to be joining this new Board at a time of challenge and opportunity.”
Former council colleague Derek Yule, who was director of finance, stated: “That’s great news Steve. Many congratulations” while the current CEO of HighLife Highland Steve Walsh wrote: “Congratulations Steve, good luck. A crucial role given what we are experiencing now and how we make sure we are prepared for the future.”
Mr Barron was chief executive of Highland Council until November 2018. His career background is in construction, housing and services with broad experience in local government, NHS and the private sector.
In a summation of his career Public Health Scotland stated that he “brings to the board clear insights into the challenges facing remote and rural communities and hopes to work within the board to support diverse policy approaches.”
