Media release: New senior management team unveiled to drive forward land-based business agenda

Sarah Jane Laing

SCOTTISH Land & Estates today announced a new senior management structure for the organisation to drive forward the agenda of land-based businesses in Scotland.

David Johnstone, chair of Scottish Land & Estates, said major issues such as Brexit and the implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act will require the organisation to continue to adapt to deal with future challenges and opportunities for land-based businesses.

Sarah-Jane Laing has been invited to join the board, and in her enhanced role – as an executive director – will join the chair and vice-chair in forming the senior management team. She will continue to direct policy and parliamentary affairs, but will take on extra responsibilities within the organisation.

David Johnstone said: “Every organisation needs to develop and adapt to meet future challenges and opportunities and the new senior management structure will mean we are fully equipped going forward.

“We’re delighted to announce the promotion of Sarah-Jane Laing, a popular and respected figure, to the board.

“She has demonstrated outstanding ability to engage and work with a wide range of stakeholders – from national government to community bodies. She has provided strategic direction to our policy work as well as being instrumental in modernising and improving the organisation’s approach to communications and representational activity.”

Sarah-Jane Laing commented: “I am very pleased to be taking on this new position. We have an excellent staff team as well as a committed and enthusiastic membership. Many challenges lie ahead and I am confident the land-based business sector will respond constructively and effectively.”

David Johnstone added: “The board is also delighted that Hughie Campbell Adamson, chair of his own, vibrant land-based business and a long-standing member of the organisation has agreed to offer executive assistance and his business expertise to the organisation.

“As vice-chair, he will help ensure that, organisationally, we are firing on all cylinders. The wide range of issues we are now involved with means that the roles of chairman and vice-chairman demand a more ‘hands on’ approach and we expect this to continue.”

ENDS

For further information:

Gary McQueen

Media House

t: 0141 220 6040

e: gary@mediahouse.co.uk

Notes for editors:

Biographies

  • David Johnstone, is chairman of Annandale Estates, a family land-based business in the Dumfriesshire.
  • Sarah-Jane joined the organisation in 2004 as housing strategy officer, after over ten years spent in housing at Roxburgh District Council, Link Housing Association and Scottish Borders Council. She became head of Policy in 2009, and was made xirector of Policy & Parliamentary Affairs in January 2013. She lives with her husband and three children on the family’s farm in the Scottish Borders. She is an alumni of the Windsor Leadership Trust and recipient of the Farmers Club Windsor Leadership in Agriculture Bursary.
  • Hughie Campbell Adamson is chair of Stracathro Estates, a land-based company situated in North Angus.

About Scottish Land & Estates

Scottish Land & Estates is a membership organisation for landowners, rural businesses and rural professionals.

Scottish Land & Estates promotes the wide range of benefits land-based businesses provide: the tourist attractions, leisure facilities and landscapes enjoyed by the public, as well as, housing, employment, tourism and enterprise and farming opportunities.

For more information, visit www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk.

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