SpanglefishDavid Alston - Highland Councillor (Liberal Democrat) | sitemap | log in

My background

Public appointments

  • NHS Highland, non-executive member, 2003 –present.
    In April 2007 I was re-appointed to serve a further four years as a member of the  Board of NHS Highland I also continue to chair the North Highland Community Health Partnership (CHP) on behalf of NHS Highland.
  • Trustee of Cromarty Harbour Trust, 1998–present; Chairman from 1999
  • Cromarty Firth Port Authority, 2001–2005
  • Justice of the Peace (Highland Area), 1999–2003
  • Independent Tribunal Service Appeal Tribunal member (Child Support Agency Tribunals), 1995–1999

Paid work

  • 1999–present: councillor for Black Isle Ward of The Highland Council. Deputy Leader of The Highland Council Liberal Democrat Councillors; Council posts held: Chairman of the Budget Information Group (from August 2008; Chairman of the Council's Audit and Scrutiny Committee (from  2007- 2008)Chairman of the Council’s Renewing Democracy and Community Planning Select Committee (1999 -2007)
  • 1991–2003: curator/manager of Cromarty Courthouse Museum
  • 1990–1991: self-employed consultant
  • 1984–1989: Tutor/organiser for the Workers’ Educational Association, Highland
  • 1981 - 1984: teacher, Wallsend, Tyneside

A selection of voluntary work

  • Ross-shire Special Needs Playscheme: 2002, director.
  • Nigg Old Trust (a body dedicated to preserving the old parish church of Nigg and its Pictish stone): 1998–present.
  • University of the Highlands and Islands Foundation: 1997–2001.
  • Cromarty Community Council: 1989–1999. Chairman 1992–1994. Resigned 1994. Re-elected 1995 and 1998. Chairman 1998–1999.
  • Rural Form, Scotland: 1989, council member.
  • Children’s Panel, Highland Region, 1988–1995
  • Convener of Highlands and Islands Forum, 1987–1990: An organisation, then employing a full time project worker, with the aim of promoting community initiatives reflecting an integrated approach to issues of conservation and development in the Highlands and Islands.

And in the dark ages...

  • Aberdeen Employment Rights Information Centre, Aberdeen: 1976/77, founder volunteer.
  • Play Workshop, St Katherine’s Community Centre, Aberdeen: 1973–76. Founder member of and volunteer.
  • Great Georges’ Community Arts Project, Toxteth, Liverpool: June 1971–September 1972. A formative experience of youth work and arts activities in an area of multiple deprivation and racial tension.

Education

  • University of Dundee (part-time): PhD, 1999
  • Leicester University (part-time): Diploma in Museum Studies, 1994
  • St Mary’s College, Newcastle-upon-Tyne: PGCE (distinction), 1981
  • The Queen’s College, Oxford: Research in philosophy
  • Aberdeen University: MA (First class honours in Mental Philosophy), 1975; LLB, 1977
  • Golspie Primary and High School