New environmental Chief Scientific Adviser appointed

A leading Edinburgh University scientist is being appointed as the Scottish Government's Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.

Professor Andrew Millar, Director of Research for Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, will provide scientific advice on issues such as the environment, agriculture and the wider rural economy.

One of the challenges facing Professor Millar will be to develop and secure Scotland's science base in these areas, through the Brexit process.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said:

"If the Scottish Government is to effectively address current and future challenges facing our environment then sound scientific advice is integral.

"I'm looking forward to working with Professor Millar to tackle some of Scotland's most crucial environmental, agricultural and rural issues, and the positive impact scientific developments could have on these."

Professor Millar said:

"Scottish science has an enviable track record and our natural resources are among the country's most critical assets. I am happy to contribute to Scottish policy at a time when change and opportunity in this area are coming from social and political development, as well as from new scientific understanding, technologies and the changing environment."

The main functions of the CSA ENRA role are to provide independent science advice to inform our work across policy areas, and champion the use of evidence to inform policy development and delivery.

Professor Millar succeeds Professor Louise Heathwaite, who held the Scottish Government position until 2017.