VisitScotland appoints new director of industry and destination development

VisitScotland has announced the appointment of a new director of industry and destination development to succeed Riddell Graham, who is retiring in September after 45 years at the national tourism organisation. Rob Dickson (pictured), executive director of corporate improvement and economy at Scottish Borders Council, will take over the role on 11 August. Dickson has held senior roles in Scottish Borders Council and the Royal Borough of Kingston-Upon-Thames. More recently, he was pivotal in setting up the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency (SOSE) and he has led on economic development in the Scottish Borders, recently helping to deliver the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob Dickson to VisitScotland. He has considerable expertise and personal interest in environmental issues. This, coupled with his strong customer service ethic, will enable him to lead on our vital community engagement programme among partners, businesses, and individuals as we plan for a sustainable tourism recovery. “Rob Dickson will work with many teams the length and breadth of Scotland and is joining VisitScotland at a critical stage as we focus on the recovery of the industry, building a destination and visitor experience which allows tourism and events to flourish now and in the future. He will play a key role, alongside the Leadership Group, in shaping that future for Scotland’s tourism and events sector. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Graham for his service to Scottish tourism. Graham has played a vital role over the years at VisitScotland. Notably, over the last 12 months, he has been central in supporting the industry during the pandemic.” Rob Dickson said: “I am delighted to be joining VisitScotland. We have all faced the most challenging of times in the last year and I hope the experience I bring from my work in the Scottish Borders and across the south of Scotland can help support the recovery of the tourism and events sector in Scotland. Riddell Graham has contributed 45 years of outstanding service to tourism in Scotland; I feel privileged to have been selected to take on the responsibilities he has carried so successfully for many years. I look forward to meeting and working with the wide range of people who are committed to 21^st century tourism.”