Eric Lumsden chosen as volunteer chair of new board which will invest Westminster funds in community
Eric Lumsden has worked in Whitburn since 1992(Image: Eric Lumsden)
West Lothian Council’s Executive has approved the appointment of Eric Lumsden, a local lawyer, to the role of independent chair of a fund which will provide £20m of Westminster cash to improve parts of West Lothian.
In December it was announced that three local communities would benefit from Pride in Place funding.
Whitburn, Blackburn and Fauldhouse will be part of a nationwide 10-year investment programme.
Mr Lumsden was chosen from six candidates as an independent chair of the new Neighbourhood Board.
He was born in Whitburn and attended Whitdale Primary School and Whitburn Academy.
Mr Lumsden is currently senior partner of Sneddon Morrison Solicitors, Whitburn where he has worked since 1992.
The independent Chair for the Neighbourhood Board will be a voluntary role.
A Neighbourhood Board is to be established to manage the Pride in Place funding. This is made up of the local community, local elected members, MPs and MSPs.
The board will be responsible for engagement with the community and developing the Pride in Place plans for how the funding will be allocated over the 10 years.
Having undertaken an open application process, senior officers assessed notes of interest and invited six people to discuss their expressions of interest in more detail.
Following this process, and having been endorsed by the two local MPs, it was recommended that Eric Lumsden be appointed to the role of Chair.
Mr Lumsden has family connections to Fauldhouse, was born in Whitburn, educated at Whitburn Academy and has lived and worked locally for most of his life. He has worked in Whitburn and Blackburn continuously since 1992, and demonstrated an extensive local knowledge of the three communities forming part of the Pride in Place programme.
Mr Lumsden has undertaken a combination of national representative roles, formal tribunal leadership, and long standing involvement in local governance, and displayed the skills and judgement needed to guide complex partnerships and support delivery of meaningful outcomes.
A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said Mr Lumsden’s lifelong connection to Whitburn and long standing professional presence in Whitburn and Blackburn has provided him with a strong understanding of local community dynamics, challenges and aspirations.
They added: “In addition, he demonstrated his ability to chair meetings effectively, manage diverse stakeholder interests, maintain independence and accountability, and keep decision making focused on evidence and outcomes.”
Mr Lumsden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chair of the Board for Pride in Place established by the UK Government – this will really benefit the communities in Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn.
“I am keen that the Board will work with many people to enhance our towns and I will ensure there is a wide range of consultation undertaken with the people in the towns and local and community groups to ensure the funding made available is effectively used.”
Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick, the leader of West Lothian Council told the LDRS: “Congratulations to Mr Lumsden on his appointment. He has undertaken a combination of national representative roles, formal tribunal leadership, and long standing involvement in local governance, and displayed the skills and judgement needed to guide complex partnerships and support delivery of meaningful outcomes.
“His lifelong connection to Whitburn and long standing professional presence in Whitburn and Blackburn has provided him with a strong understanding of local community dynamics, challenges and aspirations. In addition, he demonstrated his ability to chair meetings effectively, manage diverse stakeholder interests, maintain independence and accountability, and keep decision making focused on evidence and outcomes.
“I wish him the very best as this important funding is delivered in Blackburn, Fauldhouse and Whitburn. I know he will do well.”
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