The body behind some of Scotland's biggest conservation success stories is looking for a new leader as Green politician stands down
Former Green Party MSP Robin Harper is set to stand down as chair of the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) after three years.
The move means the leading nature conservation charity, which runs a number of nature reserves and has played a major role in the recent reintroduction of beavers to Scotland, is seeking a new leader.
The trust is now inviting applications from experienced leaders with the ability to make a major contribution to the conservation of Scotland's wildlife and nature.
For over 50 years, the trust has worked with its members, partners and supporters in pursuit of its vision of healthy, resilient ecosystems across Scotland's land and seas.
It manages a network of 120 wildlife reserves across Scotland and plays a leading role in a number of major conservation projects, including Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels and the pioneering Living Landscape programmes in Coigach-Assynt, Cumbernauld and Edinburgh. As one of the two lead partners in the Scottish Beaver Trial, the Trust was also instrumental in returning beavers to Scotland more than 400 years after they were hunted to extinction.
Jonny Hughes, chief executive of the SWT said: "Our next chair will have the privilege of joining a vibrant organisation with an exceptional team. He or she will draw on strong strategic experience to lead the trust towards its vision of a network of healthy, resilient ecosystems supporting Scotland's wildlife and people.
"We are looking for senior leaders with the ability to steer the trust through a number of significant environmental challenges in the next three years. In particular, the decision to leave the European Union has led to major questions about the protection for species and habitats offered by the European Union's nature directives, as well as uncertainty over future sources of funding for conservation."
Applications for the position of Chair of Council of the Scottish Wildllife Trust are open until 31 January 2017.
