Joanna Peteranna has been appointed as area manager for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in the Outer Hebrides following four months in an interim role.

She has played a key role in a wide range of developments across the Outer Hebrides, working closely with public and private stakeholders.

More recently, she was responsible for the agency’s involvement in maximising the benefits from a series of planned major investments in and around the southern islands of the Outer Hebrides.

Born and brought up in Paisley with a North Uist family, Joanna worked for Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh before settling in Benbecula in 2002. She went on to work in the private and third sectors and joined HIE as a manager for Uist and Barra in 2012.

Joanna is a chartered manager and in 2015 completed the Entrepreneurial Development Programme at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston.

Joanna said:“It is a privilege to take up the role of area manager at a time of great opportunity for Innse Gall as we transition to net zero carbon and a fairer economy. I look forward to continuing to work closely with partners, businesses and communities to make a positive difference.”

Stuart Black, Chief Executive at HIE, said: “With her experience in economic and community development, Joanna is an excellent addition to the team of area managers. She has well-established links with key local partners, communities and businesses.

"The next few years will be important for the Outer Hebrides as the economy recovers from the impacts of Covid and Brexit and builds on opportunities in food and drink, renewables and tourism.

"Joanna brings a wealth of invaluable knowledge from one of our highest priority areas and she is well-placed to lead the area team. I am very pleased she has taken on this role.”