MONTROSE PORT AUTHORITY has announced significant changes to its leadership team with the appointment of a new Vice-Chair and a new board member. Hamish Watt, a long-serving board member, has stepped down from the Vice-Chair position, and Tom Brighton has been appointed as his successor. Additionally, Gill Summers joins the board as a new member.
Hamish Watt provided the port with over a decade of legal expertise and local insight into commercial and industrial activities in the North East of Scotland. Tom Brighton, who has served on the board since 2020, replaces Watt as the new Vice-Chair. Brighton, a Montrose resident since 1978, brings 36 years of global experience in the oil and gas industry, having worked for Total, BG Group, and Shell.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Tom Brighton stated, “The port has a rich history and bright future, with a variety of innovative projects in progress that will solidify the Port’s commitment to the local community and support the drive in the maritime and energy industries towards a greener, more sustainable path.”
In addition to Brighton’s appointment, Gill Summers, a retired partner from Brodies LLP, joins the board. Summers, with over 35 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, expressed her excitement about contributing to Montrose Port Authority’s work. She emphasised the port’s strong reputation for commitment to the local community and the environment.
Peter Stuart, Chairman of Montrose Port Authority Board, acknowledged Hamish Watt’s valuable contribution and expressed confidence in the expertise of the new appointments. Stuart stated, “I am confident that we still have maintained the level of expertise, legal acumen, and indeed the local knowledge that the Board requires to be able to assist the Executive team in their ongoing efforts to run and grow the Port.”
Montrose Port Authority is committed to becoming one of the most sustainable energy hubs in Scotland. The port recently achieved a significant milestone with the full operational status of Seagreen, Scotland’s largest offshore wind farm, operated from Montrose Port. The port is also working on installing Shore Power infrastructure as part of a joint venture to provide electricity supply to berthing vessels and reduce emissions.
