JAMIE STRAIN was site lead general manager for six-and-a-half years at Amazon’s Dunfermline distribution centre, a site the size of 17 football pitches with more than 3,000 staff, which grew significantly during the Covid-19 surge in online demand. He previously spent 13 years at Tesco.

At Clydeport he will oversee sites including Hunterston PARC in Ayrshire and the Port of Greenock. He replaces Jim McSporran, who retires later this month.

David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group, said Strain brought an important perspective “as a cargo owner at two of the country’s biggest and best-known retailers” alongside his operational experience.

“Having spent much of my career leading large teams and complex operations, I’m looking forward to bringing that experience here, while supporting our people to develop their skills,” said Strain.

The appointment comes as Peel Ports continues redeveloping Hunterston PARC, which is expected to attract £3.5bn of inward investment and create more than 5,000 jobs. The group has also installed two £25m ship-to-shore cranes at Greenock and spent £3m increasing capacity at KGV Dock to handle wind turbine components.