The Moray Council has appointed Mr Sandy Riddell as Director of Community Services.  Mr Riddell, age 48, will head the Community Services Department which has responsibility for both Housing and Social Work Services.  He will replace Mr Mike Martin who took up a long-term secondment with the Scottish Executive at the end of last year.

Mr Riddell joins the Moray Council from Social Work Services at Highland Council where he has been Head of Operations since April 2002.  Mr Riddell was Assistant Director from 1994 to 1996 and Head of Service from 1996 till April 2002 when he took up the post of Head of Operations.  These posts were all within the Social Work Services department of Highland Council.

Councillor Percy Watt, Chairman of the Community Services Committee (Social Work) said, “I am pleased to announce that Sandy Riddell has been appointed as Director of Community Services.  I am confident that he is well qualified to meet the challenges ahead and look forward to working with him as we continue to improve the services we provide to the community of Moray”. 

Commenting on his appointment Mr Riddell said, “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed to this post at such a challenging and interesting time in local government. Moray’s Community Services Department has deservedly earned a high reputation for its services and I very much look forward to joining their team”.

Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046