Douglas McAdam is stepping down as chief executive of Scottish Land and Estates.

 

Mr McAdam has served as CEO and a director of SLaE and its predecessor organisation, the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association, for 10 years.

 

"I am very proud of the progress we have made under my watch," said Mr McAdam. "We are now seen as a progressive, evidence-led organisation and one whose input is now actively sought out in helping shape rural policy, legislation and regulation.

 

"Our relationships with government and other key stakeholders are strong and our membership is healthy and in good heart. I am particularly proud of the staff team I have built over the last decade and I know that as I move on to develop my own interests the organisation is in very good hands.

 

“I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to see first-hand the work of our membership and to work alongside many of them," he said. "I have nothing but the deepest respect and admiration for the passion, drive and commitment of the people who run these rural enterprises and who support so many others in their communities in doing so. I wish them and all at SLaE the very best. These are very interesting times for land-based businesses and I will continue to follow them with interest."

 

Chairman David Johnstone said: “We are extremely grateful to Doug for the tremendous contribution he has made on behalf of our membership and also the wider rural community. He has been instrumental in ensuring that our organisation modernised and effectively represents land-based businesses. Doug is a passionate advocate for the interests of rural Scotland and we wish him the very best for the future.

 

“While there is no shortage of challenges facing the land-based business sector, SLaE is well equipped to meet them successfully. We will shortly be taking forward initiatives to enhance our services to members and will also make an announcement regarding the future structure of the leadership and management teams.”