Elgin City appoint former Scotland international footballer Nicky Grant to new role after leaving Highland Council education job earlier this year
Highland Council’s former education boss Nicky Grant has taken on a role at Elgin City Football Club.
A former Scotland international footballer left the local authority with “immediate effect” after she spent almost two months on “approved leave” while holding the head of education position.
In a brief statement in April, the council claimed that she would be leaving the role “to pursue other interests” having spent just under three years at the council ending up in the £105,487-a-year job.
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Her period as the executive chief officer (ECO) of education was marked by not inconsiderable controversy and questions over performance, sparking several campaigns by parents and pupils across the region.
In February, she blamed primary school teachers for poor attainment, while significant questions were raised about the curriculum and there is continued dissatisfaction with attainment levels.
Ms Grant worked at the council since December 2018 starting as the headteacher of Alness Academy. Then the former chief executive Donna Manson made her the head of education services in October 2019 before appointing her as education ECO in July 2021.
Now Elgin City has announced that Ms Grant, who was capped 99 times by Scotland, will be the club’s new operations and commercial manager.
The 48-year-old played for Arsenal, Celtic, Hibs, Miami Gliders and FFC Frankfurt.
Nicky was brought up in Elgin and lives in Moray.
Prior to that role, she worked with the SFA as National Director of Women’s Football. She currently runs a consultancy business focusing on senior leadership business coaching.
Ms Grant said: “It is a real honour to share my experience and skills in my new role. My grandparents were loyal supporters of the club and my brother played for the team.
“I am excited to follow in their footsteps and will do everything I can to help my home team.”
Elgin City chairman Alan Murray said: “Nicky has great football and business experience having played at the top level of women’s football, as well as captaining her country and amassing a fantastic 99 international caps.
“I am very pleased to welcome Nicky to the club and I am sure she will enhance and improve our business performance.”
