MBE is 'a complete surprise' for former Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise chief executive
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A former chief executive of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise has admitted it came as "a complete surprise" to be awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list.
Carroll Buxton, deputy chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), was honoured for services to economic development. She has worked for HIE since 1992, and from 2001 to 2008 had the Thurso-based role of chief executive of the former local enterprise company for Caithness and Sutherland.
“This came as a complete surprise," Mrs Buxton said after the MBE was announced at the weekend. "When I saw the envelope from HM Government, my first thought was I must be in trouble!
"Needless to say I am absolutely delighted. I feel very honoured and fully recognise that, although this award is in my name, it actually reflects the hard work and commitment of all my brilliant colleagues in Highlands and Islands Enterprise.”
HIE chairman Alistair Dodds said: “Carroll is a core member of HIE’s leadership team who has performed several important roles over the past 30 years, including two challenging and successful terms as interim chief executive.
“Throughout her career with HIE, she has devoted tremendous talent and energy to enable businesses and communities across the Highlands and Islands to seize opportunities and tackle challenges.
“Carroll is an exemplar to everyone involved in economic development in Scotland and it is a real delight to see her commitment to our region recognised with this richly deserved honour.”
