Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board

The Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP, today announced the reappointment of Anne Rae MacDonald, Douglas McAdam, Dr Fiona McLean, Willie Munro and Dr Gaener Rodger as Members of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board.

Members

Anne Rae MacDonald and her husband run an arable farming and tourism diversification business in Highland region. She has spent her career working with land management businesses and implementing agricultural and Scottish rural development policy, having served as Principal Agricultural Officer with the Scottish Government RPID and latterly as a non-executive director of a number of rural co-operative and food related businesses. She is also a member of the Agricultural Reform Implementation Oversight Board.

Douglas McAdam is involved in a number of senior roles across the rural sector covering wildlife management, conservation, tourism, careers and education. He is the independent Chair of a Deer Management Group. He also chairs Wild Deer Best Practice which is a public-private partnership developing and promoting best practice standards in Scotland. He was until very recently Chair of Wild Scotland, the organisation representing businesses in the tourism sector. He is also Chair of Countryside Learning Scotland which is a charity focused on developing careers, skills and life opportunities for young people across Scotland. More generally, he has nearly two decades of rural estate, conservation and land management experience having held the role of CEO of Scottish Land & Estates.

Dr Fiona McLean has extensive experience as an academic leader, with an international reputation for research and teaching in cultural heritage and tourism marketing. She was previously Professor of Cultural Heritage Management at Glasgow Caledonian University and prior to that, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Stirling. She brings a wide range of experience as a non-executive director, and as Rector and formerly Vice-Chair of the University of the Highlands and Islands, took an active role in promoting equal access to research and learning in the highlands and islands. As a founding Non-Executive Director of Historic Environment Scotland, she has collectively led on the creation of a new, lead body which champions cultural heritage in Scotland.

Willie Munro has walked, climbed and explored in all parts of the Cairngorms over many years and has gained an understanding of the special qualities of the area. He worked in the public sector for nearly 40 years and has experience of governance and scrutiny in a public body. His particular interests include community empowerment and achieving positive outcomes through collaboration with communities, third sector and public sector services. His career has given him knowledge, experience and understanding of a range of functions including planning, transport, access, housing, leisure and tourism.

Dr Gaener Rodger has a background in academic research, business development, professional training, supporting volunteers and working with young people. As well as Ministerial appointments, she has held Board Member roles with Inspiring Young Voices (formerly Highland's Children and Young Peoples Forum). She brings a broad range of experience with her from the public and third sectors. She is passionate about the role that our national parks play in tackling the duel challenges of the Climate Emergency and Biodiversity loss, the role the that the natural capital within the Cairngorm National Park can play in enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of our population and how the Cairngorm National Park Authority works in partnership with others to empower young people and communities to be the future custodians of the Park.

Reappointments

Ms MacDonald and Mr Munro have been reappointed for five months from 1 November 2022 until 31 March 2023 with Mr McAdam and Dr Rodger reappointed for one year from 1 November 2022 until 31 October 2023. Dr McLean has been reappointed for four years from 1 November 2022 until 31 October 2026.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

The reappointment attracts remuneration of £228.67 per day for a time commitment of three days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Dr McLean is a Member of the Board of Historic Environment Scotland. She receives £228.00 per day for a time commitment of 1½ days per month.

Dr Rodger is Member of NHS Highland Board. She receives £8930.00 per annum for a time commitment of 64 days per year.

Ms MacDonald, Mr McAdam, and Mr Munro do not hold any other public appointments.

Political activity

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Ms MacDonald, Mr McAdam, Dr McLean, Mr Munro and Dr Rodger have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

The Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003. It is the UK’s largest national park at 4,528 sq km. The Cairngorms National Park Authority was set up to ensure that the unique aspects of the Cairngorms – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy. The Park Authority leads the collaboration needed to deliver all four aims of the park, providing leadership to all those involved in the Cairngorms and working in partnership with a range of communities, businesses, non-government organisations and public sector partners to deliver practical solutions on the ground.