Candidate Statement
I live on the edge of the Cairngorms and am married with two boys. I am a keen hill walker, and also enjoy wild country canoeing, ski touring and travelling. I’m also treasurer of my local community trust’s footpath group, engaging with local landowners, farmers and volunteers to maintain, develop and promote over 70km of paths and tracks. Professionally I have worked in the oil industry variously as a geologist, petroleum engineer and manager and bring leadership experience in business strategy and major projects.
During my first term as Trustee I served on the Policy and Land Management committees and therefore have good knowledge of the pertinent issues and practicalities. I was particularly involved in creating the Trust’s wild land management standards, developing renewable energy policy and responding to consultations by various bodies. During my second term I was convenor of the working group that negotiated the lease on Glenridding Common and also sat on the finance committee.
Prior to becoming Trustee I chaired the North-East Scotland members group. I am particularly passionate about the practical management of land and have also studied ecology. For several years I was a regular on JMT work parties and believe it is extremely important to understand the Trust’s properties and the views of the local communities who live there.
Society continues to evolve at a fast pace in terms of communications, politics, environmental awareness and use of our countryside. The Trust finds itself uniquely positioned to harness this energy providing it can meet the challenges of communicating and influencing the diverse range of interests from rural communities, urbanites, those who work the land, outdoor enthusiasts and leisure visitors. By doing so we can positively impact our climate, biodiversity and wild landscapes for the benefit of the planet, local communities and visitors alike.
Nominated by
Patricia Jordan; James Brownhill; Chris Townsend; John Fox-Davies; Donald Thomas
Member since
1998