Eight names in running to replace tram and bus boss

Published on Wednesday 10 November 2010 14:56

EIGHT names are in the running for the two posts vacated by departing tram boss David Mackay, it has emerged.

&#149 David Mackay has stood down as TEL chief

The 67-year-old stood down as chairman of Transport Edinburgh Limited (TEL) last week, branding German firm Bilfinger Berger "delinquent" with his parting shot.

A report going before councillors next week will recommend that his role is split in two on an interim basis, with new chairs appointed to oversee tram firm TIE and Lothian Buses.

The four independent non-executive members of each board are understood to be in the running for each position.

The candidates for the TIE post are Neil Scales, chief executive of public transport body Merseytravel, Brian Cox, a former executive director of UK Bus and member of the Stagecoach board, Peter Strachan, chief executive of the Translink Transit Authority, and former head of rail and road safety at the then Scottish Executive, Kenneth Hogg.

The names in the frame for the Lothian Buses position are Ann Faulds, a partner at legal firm Dundas & Wilson, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce boss Ron Hewitt, bus industry insider Marjory Rodger and Donald Macleod.

The appointments will be made on an interim basis before a new candidate is brought in to take over the integration of the two companies.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, Edinburgh's transport convener, said: "The various group leaders on the council have met to discuss how best to provide support to Lothian Buses and TIE. Ideally, we are hoping to get cross-party support for the candidates."

He added: "We are looking within the existing membership of the boards on an interim basis. If we are looking to appoint anybody permanently it would be done with a proper public appointment."

The council will be looking for candidates who can steady the ship after a difficult week, even by the standards of the tram project.

Contractor Bilfinger Berger dropped a legal action against Mr Mackay on Tuesday after taking him to court in light of comments he made about the firm being "delinquent." The former head of Scottish Rugby also said that difficulties with work on Princes Street had made the tram project "hell on wheels".

It had been hoped that councillors would immediately look to appoint a high-profile candidate with the necessary clout to resolve the dispute with Bilfinger Berger.

However, the interim appointments will leave the burden of responsibility with TIE chief executive Richard Jeffrey.

John Carson, a long-standing critic of the tram project and former head of maintenance at Network Rail, said: "These appointments are not going to solve anything. Ron Hewitt, for example, has made good efforts with the Chamber of Commerce, but what does he know about running a bus company?

"On the tram side, I can't accept that people who have been part of the mismanagement of TIE are to get promoted simply by being on the board."

The preferred candidates are expected to be announced at a council meeting next week.