The Chair of Shetland Charitable Trust, Bobby Hunter, will hand on a secure  and sustainable organisation when he stands down on 31 May.

Mr Hunter was appointed to the Trust Board in December 2011 and elected as Chair of the re-constituted Trust in February 2013.

In that time, he has overseen significant changes to the Trust’s governance arrangements and to its financial and investment strategies.

“It has been a privilege to Chair the Trust, and I believe it is now much more fit for purpose for the years ahead thanks to all the good work done by a group of forward-looking and committed Trustees and staff,” said Mr Hunter.

“The Trust disburses more than £20,000 a day in Shetland, and that benefits most people in one way or another, enhancing the standard of life here.

“But this is only possible because the Trust has taken sometimes difficult decisions to put the right financial and investment strategies in place. It also ensures that future generations will gain from the funds.”

Since Mr Hunter became Chair, Trust reserves have increased by £84 million and it has disbursed over £63 million.

Mr Hunter added: “We have improved the Board’s age and gender profile, and we have a very high standard of Trustee.

“This bodes well for the future, and I wish the next Chair every success.”

Chief Executive, Dr Ann Black said, “It has been a privilege to work closely with Bobby in his time as Trustee and Chair. All the Trust staff would like to thank him for his support and commitment”