Professor Sir Ian Diamond is among leaders of Aberdeenshire’s most important industries who have given their support to the Be Part of the Picture programme, helping to showcase Aberdeenshire as a fantastic place to live, visit and work.

A diverse range of professionals, also including FirstGroup founder and former Chief Executive Sir Moir Lockhead,  Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski of RGU, and Regional President (North Sea) of BP Trevor Garlick, are among the members of a new team of Ambassadors for Aberdeenshire’s creative placemaking programme.

The first group of Ambassadors have been selected to represent Aberdeenshire’s most significant and successful business sectors, including fisheries, oil and gas, tourism, culture and natural heritage.

The Ambassadors have pledged to show their support for Be Part of the Picture by spreading the message of the programme within their own organisations and professional networks, helping to shape a refreshed identity for Aberdeenshire.

Working in partnership with local communities, businesses and artists, Be Part of the Picture aims to lift the area’s profile by building knowledge and appreciation of Aberdeenshire’s many strengths.

The programme is also developing new networks between the cultural and business sectors in Aberdeenshire to support the sustainability of local creative industries and grow their contribution to the local economy.

The team of Ambassadors is led by Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster. She said: “These Ambassadors will be key to helping us spread the message of Be Part of the Picture and boost Aberdeenshire’s profile on a national and international level. I would like to thank them all for their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved and help us work for the benefit of Aberdeenshire’s communities and economy.

“Our high-profile Ambassadors will raise awareness of Be Part of the Picture in some of Aberdeenshire’s industries, from tourism, food and drink and agriculture to the oil and gas sector.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, said: “I am privileged to be an Ambassador for this beautiful and dynamic part of the world. Education has been, and will remain, central to the social and economic health of our region.”

Sir Moir Lockhead, founder and former Chief Executive of FirstGroup, said: “I consider living in Aberdeenshire to be a real benefit, from the perspective of both business and lifestyle. That is why I am really keen to support this work”

Trevor Garlick, Regional President (North Sea) of BP, said: “It is an honour for me to act as an Ambassador for Aberdeenshire, a great place to live in or just visit and part of what makes the north-east of Scotland so special.

“Aberdeenshire makes up part of a vital hub for the oil and gas industry but it is so much more than that. The unique topography and geography of the area, particularly the wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park, and the sense of history are among the reasons I am happy to get involved in improving Aberdeenshire’s profile.”

Edel Harris, Chief Executive of charity Cornerstone, said: “As an Aberdeenshire resident and the CEO of a business providing services to many local people, I am really pleased to support this initiative. We must do all we can to attract people to come and live and work in Aberdeenshire.

Skipper Jimmy Buchan, owner of Amity Fish Company Ltd, said: “Aberdeenshire has so much to offer to not only locally or nationally but to a huge global market. I look forward to the challenge of improving the profile of my sector and Aberdeenshire.”

Mark Hope, Chairman of Woodend Arts Limited, said: “Aberdeenshire has so much to celebrate that most of us are only aware of a fraction of the whole. Through Be Part of the Picture we can help more people, residents and visitors alike, appreciate our rich cultural traditions and vibrant present-day life which includes technical excellence and innovation of our industries and artistic excellence and creativity of many organisations and individuals across the north-east.”

Conservationist and consultant Marc Ellington said: “Aberdeenshire has much to offer the outside world. Its unique and highly appealing culture and heritage, combined with the area’s magnificent scenery and outstanding quality of life, provide the basis of a story that must be told. As Ambassadors for Aberdeenshire’s Be Part of the Picture programme, that’s our job.”