Jonny Hughes of the Scottish Wildlife Trust on his perfect weekend, which mammals should return to Scotland and what Brexit means for the environment
What makes a good day at work?
Preferably being out in nature but, failing that, a nice varied day of informed exchanges which lead to things getting changed for the better. The best days are when I see my colleagues happy and motivated because we’ve achieved a particular milestone, for exmaple exceeding 40,000 members or the acquisition of Little Linga, our new island nature reserve in Orkney.
Do you socialise with colleagues outside the Christmas party?
Absolutely, as they will certainly testify, although I’ve taken to playing squash on most Friday nights after work recently for health reasons!
As Solomon once said: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise”.
What’s the worst thing that’s happened this month?
Brexit was a massive shock to many of our staff personally and to the Scottish Wildlife Trust as an organisation. Now more than ever the trust must continue to fight to defend the EU legislation that protects our common environment from unscrupulous exploitation.
What’s your favourite animal?
The ant. As Solomon once said: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise”.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Be less afraid of the world.
Should we reintroduce wolves to Scotland?
Not yet. Guidelines on reintroductions say that the threats that led to the local extinction of a species in the first place must be removed before it can be brought back. In the case of the wolves they would struggle to find large areas of good habitat where they were safe from persecution. The shy lynx however, could live happily in our plantation forests and native woods and should be welcomed home to Scotland.
If you were your boss would you like you?
I’ve always had a great deal of sympathy with my bosses over the years, they’ve all been very long suffering!
Is Facebook your friend or your enemy?
In the days post-Brexit very much a friend – I’ve personally needed that outlet to express my feelings as it seems have so many of my friends.
What’s the best song every written?
Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel, Tavares. I defy anyone not to dance to it at a wedding.
What’s your perfect weekend?
Friday night, a long table-football playing session in a great bar with friends and strangers alike. Saturday, big walk up a local mountain. Sunday, exploring the city, its architecture, culture and people.
Is the third sector a calling or an accident?
No, we should be called the first sector as in so many ways we are closest to the people… and the best sector to work in!
Will Brexit help or hinder Scotland’s environment?
Hinder, though I have hopes our Scottish Parliament will do what it can to protect everything our partnership with the EU has helped us build in Scotland.
Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
I’ve got a few career years yet I hope and I’m sure the trust won’t want to hog me for that long.
What’s your favourite cause after the Scottish Wildlife Trust?
If I didn’t work in the environment sector, first choice would be to improve gender equality internationally.
Which Brian Cox?
Stargazer – only because I’ve met him and he was proper nice.
