The boss of High Life Highland has announced he will retire from the charity’s top job in the summer.
Chief executive Ian Murray has been at the helm since its inception in October 2011.
High Life Highland was created as an arms-length organisation by Highland Council to deliver the local authority’s culture, learning, sport, leisure and health and wellbeing services.
It has grown to a £32 million annual turnover, employing more than 1,300 full and part-time staff, and supporting more than 1,500 volunteers.
Mr Murray moved to the Highlands 31-years ago to take up the position of depute director of leisure services with Ross and Cromarty District Council, following six years’ experience in London.
When Highland Council was formed in 1996 he moved to the Highland-wide remit for leisure and community learning before leading the transition of those services into High Life Highland seven years ago.
Speaking about his time with High Life Highland, Mr Murray said: “Leading the transition to High Life Highland and the seven years since has been the most challenging, rewarding and enjoyable period in my career.
“Since we began, visitor numbers have grown almost three fold, annual income has doubled, reliance on council funding reduced by half and it has been asked by the council and several community groups to adopt 40additional services, from the formerly community run pools in Bettyhill and Poolewe to more recently the council’s school music tutor service.
“I am particularly pleased that the charity has become a trusted partner and ‘go-to’ organisation in so many communities across the Highlands.”