Glasgow Business . 51
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 2012
Scott Grier OBE says he is greatly honoured to have received this Lifetime Achievement award
HIGH FLYER LAUDED FOR LIFELINE SERVICE
In the aviation industry, timing is everything. Loganair Chairman Scott Grier OBE proved this to be true as he was honoured with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s showcase business event. Just seven days prior to accepting his award at the annual event from Chamber President Varry McMenemy, Mr Grier, the figurehead of “Scotland’s airline” had announced his retirement as Chairman of Loganair. Accepting his accolade, Mr Grier spoke fondly
and frankly of the airline he had initially worked for and then guided through 36 turbulent, but ultimately successful years. Mr Grier chose to step down in 2012 – Loganair’s 50th anniversary year – showing impeccable timing once again. Addressing the audience at the awards
ceremony, Mr Grier said: “I feel greatly honoured to have received this Lifetime Achievement award. Although thoroughly delighted to receive this award, I am under no illusion whatsoever that I’m standing here on behalf of several thousand Loganair pilots, engineers and staff who over the years have made a huge contribution to the airline and Scottish aviation. I think their immense contribution has helped greatly to secure the future of aviation in this country. “Over the years, the name Loganair has
become part of the fabric, the language even, of the Highlands and Islands. “In the early years of the airline the pioneering
pilots flew off to all parts of Scotland, many of which had never had air services before. These pilots
Scott Grier OBE is
recognised for turning around Loganair
started lifeline services and in particular when we took over the air ambulance contract, we were able to open up many parts of Scotland.
Chamber President Varry McMenemy presents
Scott Grier with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Award for Lifetime Achievement.
“Many of the communities had ageing
populations and were in decline. With the advent of the air services young families were able to settle, confident in the knowledge that a mainland hospital was just a short flight away. Introducing lifeline services is one thing, making a profit, being viable and surviving was quite another, and that was certainly the case throughout the history of Loganair. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce for the great honour they have bestowed on me.” Mr Grier was born in Kilmacolm and attended
Greenock High School before studying English and history at Glasgow University. Mr Grier joined Loganair as a chartered
accountant in 1976 and served as Finance Director, Managing Director and ultimately as Chairman. In 1997, Mr Grier led a management buy-out
of the company, which at the time employed 44 members of staff and operated just five Britten-Norman eight-seater Islanders and a single 18-seater Twin Otter aircraft. Today, Loganair operates a fleet of 26 passenger and freight aircraft, covering the Highlands and Islands, services throughout the UK, Ireland and a direct route to Bergen, Norway, employing more than 500 people. In 2011, Loganair reversed a trend by acquiring struggling English airline Suckling Airways, and has brought that company into
profit inside eight months. Despite retiring, Mr Grier was named as the
airline’s first President and will also work with Loganair on a consultancy basis.
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