Media Release: Scottish Land & Estates strengthens policy team with new appointment

KatyDickson

SCOTTISH Land & Estates has strengthened its policy team with the appointment of a new officer to focus on rural business and property issues.

Katy Dickson joins Scottish Land & Estates following more than four years working as a rural surveyor in Perthshire and the surrounding area.

Having principally been involved in the management of mixed estates, Katy has gained knowledge of farming, forestry, field sports, employment and renewable energy and has also been responsible for the letting and management of a wide-ranging portfolio of residential properties including both estate homes and private houses.

At Scottish Land & Estates, Katy will develop policy proposals and provide advice to the membership with a focus on rural business and property issues, leading on areas such as planning, housing, tourism, utilities, broadband and wayleaves.

Katy’s position was created after a review of the organisation’s policy team following the departure of a staff member towards the end of last year.

Katy said: “I am delighted to join Scottish Land & Estates’ policy team and look forward to engaging with members to ensure their interests can be best served by the organisation.

“Having gained significant experience working as a surveyor, I believe my knowledge can prove useful in identifying the issues that rural areas face and then bringing forward long-term policy proposals that can create lasting benefits for a diverse range of rural businesses, landowners and communities across Scotland.

“Rural Scotland is a vibrant place to live and work but there are many challenges and opportunities in the years ahead that will make this job an extremely interesting role to take on. I hope I can help to address these issues and work with colleagues, members and stakeholders as we together strive to play our part in enhancing rural areas for the future.”

Sarah-Jane Laing, director of Policy & Parliamentary Affairs at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We are delighted to welcome Katy to the organisation and we believe she will play an important role in shaping our rural policy in the months and years ahead.

“Developing the correct strategy for business growth and affordable rural housing are two of the most important areas of policy for Scottish Land & Estates members and Katy has already demonstrated that she has a firm grasp of these issues and is keen to develop her understanding of how policy decisions at a national level can have a real effect on lives in local areas.

“Katy’s appointment also demonstrates Scottish Land & Estates’ continuing commitment to shaping a positive vision for rural Scotland where partnership between private, community and public interests can benefit our countryside for many years to come.”

ENDS

For further information:

Ramsay Smith

Media House

t: 0141 220 6040 / 07788 414 856

e: ramsay@mediahouse.co.uk

Gary McQueen

Media House

t: 0141 220 6040

e: gary@mediahouse.co.uk

About Scottish Land & Estates

Scottish Land & Estates has approximately 2,500 members across Scotland. Membership is made up mainly of private landowners and estates with a wide range of landholdings. Organisations, general rural businesses and professional firms with rural interests are trade and professional members.

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Contact: Gary McQueen
Phone: 01412206040
Email: gary@mediahouse.co.uk
Website: http://www.mediahouse.co.uk