The Scottish Countryside Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Ross Montague as its new Director.
Ross is an experienced member of the SCA team. He was formerly Head of Policy and Campaigns and his appointment represents a natural evolution of his role following the recent departure of Geva Blackett as Chief Executive of the Scottish Countryside Alliance.
Ross will be responsible for all of the activities of the Scottish Countryside Alliance. In addition to his colleagues in Scotland, Ross will be able to draw on the expertise of Countryside Alliance colleagues throughout the UK, and will work closely with Nicola Chalmers Watson, the Chief Executive of the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust, an independent charity.
Commenting on his new role, Ross Montague said: “I am delighted to take up this new role and the challenge of working for the benefit of the SCA members and rural Scotland. Primarily, the SCA is a campaigning organisation; campaigning for country sports, the countryside and the rural way of life.
“New laws from Holyrood, such as the forthcoming legislation on management of wildlife and the natural environment, are imminent challenges. With the support of my colleagues, our Policy Group and the SCA Steering Committee, meeting these challenges will continue to be my focus.”
The SCA shares its offices on the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston, with its sister charity the SCA Educational Trust. The two organisations aim to work together to ensure that, in addition to political lobbying on rural issues by the SCA, there will also be a wider increase in understanding of rural issues thanks to the work of the SCAET. Thus the SCAET, with its objective of reconnecting the people of Scotland with their countryside, will continue to offer its range of educational and promotional activities to people of all ages and backgrounds.
SCAET Chief Executive, Nicola Chalmers-Watson commented: “Whilst, individually the SCA and SCAET are small teams, I look forward to working closely with Ross to ensure that jointly we can continue to punch above our weight.”
Away from Ingliston, Ross enjoys helping on his wife’s family farm and is a keen game shot, racing and hunting enthusiast.
