AOP appoints finance expert

Mr Thomas is a chartered accountant with experience in both the public and private sector, in accounting and auditing roles. The appointment will be his first role within a professional association. He succeeds John Smith, who will continue to advise members on practice VAT matters until his retirement later this year. The high road Optometrist Malcolm McPherson helped to raise more than &\#163;4,000 for charity recently after completing a three-day sponsored cycle ride from Oban to Aberdeen. Mr McPherson, of Aberdeen-based McPherson Opticians, was joined by six friends who undertook the 197-mile trip on behalf of the Round Table to raise money for the Children's Wish charity. 'It was quite a hard trip, especially the middle day but generally it was good fun,' he said. Mr Mcpherson also expressed his thanks to Scotlens, Alcon, Dunelm, Aberdeen Optical and Tom White Optical who contributed to his sponsorship.