DEE WARD and Andrew Douglas-Miller have been appointed as vice-chairs within the Scottish Land and Estates team.

Mr Ward – who built up and sold an office water cooler business, before buying and running Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens – moves from his current role as SLE's vice chair of operations, to become the organisation’s new vice-chair of policy, and will now work closely with SLE chief executive, Sarah-Jane Laing, to shape the policy and communications work of the organisation.

Taking over Mr Ward's former position in operations is newly appointed Andrew Douglas-Miller, a former managing director of Jenners department store and current managing partner of Forneth Estate, near Blairgowrie. In his new role, Mr Douglas-Miller will oversee the financial and membership elements of SLE and will help steer its business development work.

Welcoming the appointments, chairman Mark Tennant said “I am delighted to have Andrew join and Dee remain a part of the top team at SLE at such an important time. Dee has done a fantastic job over the past two years and his knowledge of the business will stand him in good stead in his new role. Together their business experience, passion for wildlife and the environment and their first-hand understanding of the key issues impacting rural businesses, will help us ensure that rural Scotland thrives.”

Commenting on his new position, Mr Ward said: “This is a crucial time for rural businesses as we emerge from the pandemic. In my new role I will be working with SLE colleagues to ensure the requirements of rural businesses and communities in Scotland are taken into account by the Scottish and UK Governments.

"A successful economic recovery is dependent upon diverse and innovative local solutions as well as sectoral and national leadership," he continued. "I’m looking forward to helping SLE continue to play a key role in developing new thinking and approaches, as well sharing good practice across the diverse areas our members are involved in. I will also continue to work with farms, estates and others to help them become accredited by Wildlife Estates Scotland – a programme run by SLE which recognises landowners who are committed to best practice in conservation, habitat and wildlife management.”

Mr Douglas Miller, added: “As many rural businesses fight for survival over the coming months, SLE will continue to play a crucial role in offering advice and guidance and in securing government support. My focus will be on ensuring that the service we deliver meets the needs of our current and future members. I am also looking forward to helping to grow our membership across Scotland.”