Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Crown Estate Scotland Board

The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, today announced the reappointment of Ann Allen, Dr Michael Foxley and Robert Mackenzie as Members of the Board of Crown Estate Scotland.

Members

Ann Allen is Director of Innovation and Campus Development at the University of Leeds. Ann’s professional background is in asset management and construction and has worked for over 35 years across a diverse number of organisations including central government, banking, retail and higher education. Ann is Chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and the Built Environment Trust, a Member of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland and a Trustee of the National Museums of Scotland. She is a strong advocate for diversity in property and construction and was previously Chair of the Scottish Board of Women in Property.

Dr Michael Foxley has a long term interest and knowledge of aquaculture as well as experience of harbours and major harbour developments. He has extensive experience of education and training in schools, colleges and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). He is a crofter with sheep, cattle and native woodlands.  Dr Foxley is an independent non-executive member of the UHI North, West and Hebrides Board of Management.

Robert Mackenzie retired in 2016 after 25 years as a Business Technology and Consulting Partner at Scott-Moncrieff, leading their Corporate and Consulting Services arm. He previously worked for HMRC, the Royal Bank of Scotland and the NHS in Scotland. He has an in-depth understanding of finance, business and audit and as Head of Audit for multiple organisations, he provided training and guidance to Audit Committee and Board members. He also served as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Ferguson Marine (Port Glasgow) Ltd, where he chaired the Audit and Risk Committee.

Reappointments

Ann Allen was reappointed for three years from 28 June 2024 until 27 June 2027, Dr Michael Foxley reappointed for four months from 1 May 2024 until 31 August 2024 and Robert Mackenzie reappointed for one year from 1 May 2024 until 30 April 2025.

The reappointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

Board members receive £225.42 per day for a time commitment of two days per month.

Other Ministerial appointments

Ann Allen is Chair of the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland and receives £5241.00 per annum, for a time commitment of one day per week. She is also a Member of the Board of the Water Industry Commission for Scotland and receives £15,825.00 per annum, for a time commitment of one day per week and a Trustee of the National Museum of Scotland. This is an unremunerated role with a time commitment of one day per month.

Dr Michael Foxley and Robert Mackenzie 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.

In 2022, Dr Michael Foxley undertook one day of canvassing with a candidate for the Scottish Liberal Democrats at the Highland Council elections.

Ann Allen and Robert Mackenzie have had no political activity within the last five years.

Background

Crown Estate Scotland’s purpose is ‘investing in property, natural resources and people to generate lasting value for Scotland’. The organisation is at the heart of Scotland’s journey to net zero and has a key role to play in promoting sustainable development across a range of assets and sectors.

Crown Estate Scotland is a self-financing Statutory Public Corporation accountable to the Scottish Ministers and to the Scottish Parliament. It is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of land and property - called the Scottish Crown Estate - including seabed, coastline, commercial property and rural estates. Revenue profits from the Scottish Crown Estate are transferred to the Scottish Consolidated Fund for public spending and capital profits are reinvested in the Estate.