FORMER RSPB Scotland director, Stuart Housden OBE, has been appointed as chair of the Scottish Seabird Centre.

Mr Housden takes over from retiring chair David Windmill, who has steered the marine conservation and education charity for eight years.

Announcing the appointment, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, Susan Davies, said: “We are delighted that Stuart has been selected as our new chair. His appointment is particularly welcome as we enter the United Nations Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration, and step up our own work to support these global commitments to reverse the damage to our marine environment and the decline in many of our iconic seabirds. These global initiatives provide a backdrop to why it is so important that we continue our conservation, learning and science communication activities in Scotland," she said.

“Although this continues to be a challenging time for our charity, with the doors to our visitor centre once again closed under the latest Covid-19 restrictions, we are optimistic about the future."

Mr Housden commented on his new role: “I am honoured to have been selected to chair the Scottish Seabird Centre, and look forward to meeting the many volunteers, and supporters that have achieved so much in the charity’s first 20 years.

“Scotland’s marine environment, and the incredible numbers of seabirds that travel the oceans to either nest, or winter around our coasts each year, are of truly international significance. We take them for granted at our peril, and they serve as a barometer of the health of our coasts and seas. Sadly a number are in rapid decline.

“Our marine environment is under considerable pressure, from the effects of climate change and how we use the seas, with fishing, offshore developments and marine litter amongst the more obvious issues. The Scottish Seabird Centre will, I hope, play a vital part in a future partnership working to find and encourage the recovery of Scotland’s marine wildlife resources, by informing more people about the positive actions they can take, so providing even greater benefits for people across Scotland. We want these great marine wildlife spectacles to continue to inspire future generations and enthrall visitors from far and wide."

For more information visit www.seabird.org