MEGAN ROWLAND has been appointed as a new regional support officer for Scottish Land and Estates, focussing on help for rural businesses in the Highlands.

Ms Rowland joins SLE with a wealth of knowledge and experience to utilise, including her ongoing work as a land manager on an estate in Sutherland.

At SLE, Megan will work alongside Assynt Foundation director and SLE Highland chairman Gordon Robertson as well as SLE’s Highland committee and staff from the Musselburgh headquarters to deliver a newly formed regional activity plan. This fresh approach is already underway across SLE’s regional set-up following a number of staff additions over the past year.

Ms Rowland said: “I’ve enjoyed contact with Scottish Land and Estates and many of its Highland members over the past few years and it is great to have the opportunity to work for the organisation on a regular basis. The role provides a great blend of interacting directly with rural businesses and cooperating with SLE’s policy team and I’m looking forward to work getting underway.”

Executive director of SLE, Sarah-Jane Laing, said: “SLE has been revitalising its regional activity in recent months to make sure that we are delivering the best possible service for members. We firmly believe that Megan’s skills and experience will be of great value as we seek to support members’ businesses to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead and also increase even further the part they play in helping rural Scotland thrive.”

Mr Robertson said: “Megan’s enthusiasm for the important role SLE members play in the Scottish economy combined with her desire to explore new thinking will be a great asset to the organisation. Our Highland region not only covers a wide geographical area but also an eclectic mix of businesses from farming to tourism, forestry to hospitality. Megan will undoubtedly help SLE deliver for these businesses and we hope to announce further new support for the region in the near future.”