RURAL TRAINING body Lantra has announced that Liz Barron-Majerik will be joining the organisation in Scotland in November, in the role of director.

Lantra Scotland chairman Henry Graham commented: ‘I’m delighted that Liz has agreed to become Lantra Scotland director and lead the Scottish team. There is a huge interest in skills training as part of developing an action plan for the rural economy and I’m confident Liz will not only bring a wealth of experience but also a host of new ideas.”

Ms Barron-Majerick is currently programme development manager of Natural and Applied Science for Inverness College UHI, a role which includes management of the Scottish School of Forestry and science and aquaculture provision.

During her 15 years at Inverness, she has undertaken a variety of positions, lecturing in and managing a wide range of curriculum areas, including science and maths, sport, computing, geography and forestry.

With an academic background in plant science, Liz holds a degree in Botany and PhD in Agronomy. In 2011 she gained an MBE for her work engaging young people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), setting up and running the Inverness Science Festival and STEMinars.

She commented: "I’ve worked with Lantra for many years and I know the importance of the role it plays in ensuring the needs of the sector are met. This is particularly important as we journey through the uncertainties of ‘Brexit and beyond’. I was delighted to be successful in my application for the post of Lantra Director Scotland and am looking forward to taking up the role in early November.”

Lantra’s Scotland’s current director, Kevin Patrick, is taking up a new role within the organisation as rural skills development manager in Scotland.