One of the Highlands’ foremost media and cultural heritage experts has joined the board of Highland CIC, adding decades of expertise in communications, community empowerment and Highland culture to the organisation. Highland CIC incorporates Highland Tourism and Highland Renewables – an innovative partnership working to ensure the Highlands evolves as a leader in sustainability.
Maggie worked as a senior editorial leader at the BBC for over 20 years, latterly in the roles of Head of Radio Scotland and Joint Head of BBC Scotland’s Programmes and Services. Maggie served as the Scottish member on Ofcom’s Content Board from 2018, until 2024. From 2012 to 2018, she was Chair of MG Alba, overseeing the Gaelic channel, BBC Alba, and successfully building relationships with the BBC and other stakeholders.
As chair of Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust and President of An Comunnn Gàidhealach, which runs the Royal National Mòd and 16 local Mods throughout Scotland, Maggie brings a deep understanding and passion for Scotland’s diverse regions and cultures.
Maggie Cunningham, Highland CIC board member, said: “I am aware of the impact the renewables and tourism sectors have here in the Highlands. Tourism is very important for the Highlands, and I have witnessed our visitors change over the years. We see more and more that they want to be active and learn more about the Highlands when they come. The visitor to the Highlands is increasingly aware and interested in the places they visit and how they work – a more conscious traveller.
“I’m looking forward to exploring how the tourism and renewable energy sectors can co-exist and even complement each other. We need to facilitate better prospects for our young people, more housing, and a better system for infrastructure, to name just a few challenges we’re experiencing here. I am excited to be a part of helping to facilitate discussions and action that will see the Highlands thrive for generations to come.”
Yvonne Crook, chair, Highland CIC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Maggie to our Board, bringing her wealth of expertise in community leadership, cultural heritage, and communications to the table. This experience will be invaluable as we continue to drive our mission for a sustainable Highlands, where economic, social, and environmental development thrive in balance.
“As we work in partnership with key stakeholders in Highland Renewables who are invested in the shared prosperity of the Highlands, Maggie’s knowledge and passion will help us build stronger relationships and drive forward our vision for the Highlands to become a global leader in sustainability, especially as the green revolution unfolds. We look forward to the expertise she will bring to the board as we work together with the community to shape a brighter future for our region.”