The new president of the Rotary Club of Hunterston says he will drive forward a major membership recruitment programme over the next 12 months.

And the club will continue to support individuals and groups through the their popular Community Awards scheme.

Norman Whyte, from Largs, who has been a member of Rotary for more than 20 years, succeeds Alex Blair as president to take up his new role this week.

Accepting his chains of office appointment, Norman, a former Church of Scotland minister in Ayton, Berwickshire, said: “The amazing work of Rotary contributes to improving the lives of individuals and groups through a wide range of activities and fund-raising.

"The decades of business and social experience of our members contributes much needed effort that brings guidance and support to many in our area.

“Improving the public image of Rotary and conveying the breadth of work we undertake locally, nationally and internationally is essential in attracting new members.

“I also believe it is important that we have a good gender balance in Rotary and I am determined to encourage more North Ayrshire women to see the benefits in joining.

"I’m sure there are many women in our local business and community circles who could contribute to the work of Rotary.”

Originally from Barrhead, Norman first joined Rotary when he became a member of the Lochgilphead Club (now called Mid Argyll). He was also in both Shetland Rotary Club and the Eyemouth and District club where he served three times as president.

He added: “Being member of Rotary is all about giving a little back to those most in need whether that’s local groups needing support or contributing through fund raising for international aid in crisis situations.”

Outgoing president Alex Blair said that despite it having been a challenging year in many ways, significant progress in making Hunterston Rotary more visible to potential members has been a major priority over the past 12 months.

Mr Blair said he was “particularly pleased" with their increased involvement with local schools following the intrusion of Covid.

He added: "This schools’ programme has been a major success with many positive outcomes resulting through this programme as has been achieved because of our Community Award initiatives that have helped young people and local organisations over the year.

"The creation of the new Rotary District 1320 and our seamless merging into it is most certainly working in our favour I’m sure our new president will continue to develop our profile across many mediums and I wish him well.”