SCOTTISH Borders Council’s executive director is set to leave to take on a role at VisitScotland.

Rob Dickson has been appointed as the director of industry and destination development at the tourism body to succeed Riddell Graham, who is retiring in September.

Mr Dickson will take on the role from August 11 and will be based in VisitScotland’s Selkirk office, according to the organisation.

“I am delighted to be joining VisitScotland,” said Mr Dickson.

“We have all faced the most challenging of times in the last year and I hope the experience I bring from my work in the Scottish Borders and across the south of Scotland can help support the recovery of the tourism and events sector in Scotland.

“Riddell Graham has contributed 45 years of outstanding service to tourism in Scotland; I feel privileged to have been selected to take on the responsibilities he has carried so successfully for many years.

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“I look forward to meeting and working with the wide range of people who I know are committed to making Scotland the world leader in 21st century tourism.”

Mr Dickson’s new role “focuses on engagement and building relationships with industry partners at a national, regional and local level”.

The council's chief executive Netta Meadows said: “I would like to thank Rob for all he has done for Scottish Borders Council over the past 10 years. 

“We will miss his talents, experience, guidance and sheer hard work.

"However, I know how much impact he will be bring to his new role at VisitScotland and I hope we in the Scottish Borders will benefit, in a new way, from the work he will do in the future.”

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VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “Rob has considerable expertise and personal interest in environmental issues.

“This, coupled with his strong customer service ethic, will enable him to lead on our vital community engagement programme among partners, businesses, and individuals as we plan for a sustainable tourism recovery.

“Rob will work with many teams the length and breadth of Scotland and is joining VisitScotland at a critical stage as we focus on the recovery of the industry, building a destination and visitor experience which allows tourism and events to flourish now and in the future.

“Rob will play a key role, alongside the leadership group, in shaping that future for Scotland’s tourism and events sector.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Riddell for his service to Scottish tourism.

"Riddell has played a vital role over the years at VisitScotland.

"Notably, over the last 12 months, he has been central in supporting the industry during the pandemic.”