Woman who led fight to save base quits CC role

THE Moray business leader who played a pivotal role in the campaign to retain RAF Lossiemouth as a front-line base is to step down from her role to pursue her own business interests.

Lesley Ann Parker, chief executive of Moray Chamber of Commerce, was one of the founding members of the Moray Task Force, which led the campaign against the planned defence cuts in the region. RAF Lossiemouth was saved from closure while neighbouring RAF Kinloss is set to become an army base.

Ms Parker announced yesterday that she is to quit her post at the end of May to focus on her own art and marketing business, Leap Scotland. She first joined Moray Chamber of Commerce as marketing and events manager in 2008 and was appointed chief executive in December 2009.

Chamber president George McNeil said: “We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Lesley Ann Parker for the superb job she has done.

“She has campaigned at the highest level in support of the Moray economy. The role she played in the campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth speaks volumes for Lesley’s passion and commitment to Moray.

“I am sorry to see her leave the chamber, but I understand her desire to grow her own business. She leaves the chamber in a very strong position, as one of the smallest but perhaps most effective chambers in Scotland.”

Ms Parker said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to lead Moray Chamber of Commerce for the past two years. They have not been the easiest years for the Moray economy, given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the RAF.

“I am proud to have played a part in the campaign to save RAF Lossiemouth. It showed the real spirit of Moray and it is an achievement that will benefit generations to come.”