CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Digital Projects Coordinator
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- Recreation & Access Manager / Manaidsear Airson Chur - Seachadan Is Ruigsinneachd
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- Outdoor Learning & Engagement Manager / Manaidsear Ionnsachaidh Is Com - Pàirteachaidh a - Muigh
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- Director of Nature & Climate Change / Stiùiriche Nàdar Agus Atharrachadh Gnàth - Shìde
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- Access & Infrastructure Technician
Ann Ross has connection with the area going back generations. She has a deep routed love for the mountain landscape, rivers and glens.
As an experienced councillor, she has a good understanding of governance of operating at a strategic level, a record of delivery for the residents of Aberdeenshire and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions. These competencies would complement the CNPA board, and benefit business, residents and stakeholders of the communities within the park.
Job Titles:
- Heritage Horizons: Sustainable Transport Officer
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- Landscape Adviser / Coimhearlach Dreach - Tìre
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- Cairngorms Capercaillie Project: Project Manager / Pròiseact Capall - Coille a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh: Manaidsear Pròiseict
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- Campaigns & Engagement Officer
Chris Beattie is the Angus Council representative on the CNPA Board. He is a ward councillor for the Brechin and Edzell Ward which covers part of the Angus Glens. With degrees in Zoology and Wildlife Management and Conservation he has also worked as an ecologist and has been a Countryside Ranger.
Job Titles:
- Director of Cairngorms Mountain Scotland Ltd
has been the Elected Member for Badenoch & Strathspey for 10 years and he and his family have lived in Aviemore for over 40 years. Since 2017 Bill has served as Convener of the Highland Council, having been appointed for a second term following the 2022 Local Elections.
Bill is currently Chair of the Badenoch and Strathspey Area Committee and is a substantive member of the Council's Communities and Place Committee, Corporate Resources Committee, Pensions Committee, Appeals & Disputes Committee, Central Safety Committee and the South Planning Applications Committee. Bill is also a substitute member of the Highlands and Western Isles Valuation Joint Board.
In addition to the above, Bill is also a Chair of the Council's Redesign Board.
As Convener of the Highland Council, Bill is a Commissioner of the Northern Lighthouse Board.
In 2019 Bill was appointed as a Director of Cairngorms Mountain Scotland Ltd and is also an adviser to the Board of Grantown Museum.
Job Titles:
- Head of Land Management / Ceannard Stiùireadh an Fhearainn
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- Head of Visitor Services / Ceannard Sheirbheisean Luchd - Tadhail
Corrie Fee NNR is managed by SNH. Visit their website to find out more.
Job Titles:
- Peatland Action Project Officer / Oifgear Pròiseict Na Talamh - Mònach
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- Planning Manager ( Forward Planning & Service Improvement ) / Manaidsear Planaidh ( Planadh Teachdail Agus Leasachadh Sheirbheisean )
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- Planning Administration & Systems Officer / Oifigear Rianachd Planaidh Agus Shiostaman
Derek Ross is an Independent Councillor for Ward 1 Speyside Glenlivet at Moray Council since May 2017. He was a teacher and has worked in Moray, Aberdeenshire and Highland and he believes education should play a major part in informing our young people of their rights and responsibilities in a unique environment. His principal interests in the Cairngorms National Park are the promotion of transport, connectivity and tourism and also to enhance the living environment of all those who reside and work in the National Park. He is the nominated representative from the CNPA Board to the Cairngorms Trust Board. As a keen outdoor enthusiast, he also wishes to preserve its distinctive character. Nominated by Moray Council and approved by the Minister.
Job Titles:
- Outdoor Access Officer / Oifigear Airson Ruigsinn a' Bhlàir a - Muigh
has spent the last 30 years in private commercial business at senior management and Board level across the aviation, utilities and land management sectors, both internationally and in the UK. From 2006 to 2017 he was CEO of Scottish Land & Estates and played a very active role across the land management, rural business and conservation sectors, with hands-on involvement in many industry groups and forums. He lives in Perthshire and owns and runs his own business operating in the tourism, consultancy and property sectors. Mr McAdam is also currently on the Board of Wild Scotland. Ministerial appointment.
has extensive experience as an academic leader, with an international reputation for research and teaching in cultural heritage and tourism marketing. She was previously Professor of Cultural Heritage Management at Glasgow Caledonian University and before that, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Stirling. Dr McLean brings a wide range of experience as a Non-Executive Director, and as Vice-Chair of the University of the Highlands and Islands has taken an active role in promoting equal access to research and learning in the Highlands and Islands. As a founding Non-Executive Director with Historic Environment Scotland, she has collectively led on the creation of a new, lead body which champions cultural heritage in Scotland. Ministerial appointment.
Dr Gaener Rodger has a background in academic research, business development, professional training and working with young people. She is the Planning Committee Convener. She is a Member of the NHS Highland Board and is also the Chair of the Highland Children's Forum. Dr Rodger brings a wealth of experience from her board work as well as from the academic, public and third sectors. As an active outdoors woman, she is interested in conserving our wild places; promoting opportunities to enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of our population and empowering young people to be the future custodians of the Park. Ministerial appointment.
Job Titles:
- East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership Officer / Oifigear Com - Pàirteachas a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh an Ear
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- Monitoring & Enforcement Officer / Oifigear Airson Measadh Is Cur an Gnìomh
was elected for Ward 4. She was born and brought up in Glenlivet and continues to live there. Eleanor and husband ran a family farm on Glenlivet Estate which has now been taken over by their son. She spent 25 years working with the Clydesdale Bank latterly as a Financial Advisor. She serves on various community groups including the Tomintoul and Glenlivet Heritage Lottery Landscape Project Board. Directly elected to represent Ward 4.
Job Titles:
- Cairngorms Capercaillie Project: Project Officer / Pròiseact Capall - Coille a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh: Oifigear Pròiseict
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- Planning Manager ( Development Management ) / Manaidsear Planaidh ( Làimhseachadh Leasachaidh )
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- Peatland Action Programme Manager ( Operations )
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- Peatland Action Project Officer / Oifgear Pròiseict Na Talamh - Mònach
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- Woodland Adviser / Neach - Comhairleachaidh Coille
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- Rural Development & Communities Manager
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- Head of Strategic Planning / Ceannard Planaidh Ro - Innleachdail
has lived in Braemar for almost thirty years. Having served as a directly elected Board Member she is now an Aberdeenshire Council nominee to the Board. Geva is the only Aberdeenshire councillor who actually lives in the Park and is serving her third Council term representing the 800sq mile Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside Ward, which includes both the Lecht and Glenshee ski centres. Low-cost housing- particularly for local, young people - is high on Geva's agenda as is tourism and the economy. She is passionate about the wildlife & countryside that provide the economic, cultural and social backdrop to the lives of those who live and work in the Park and believes strongly that community capacity building is key to the Park's sustainable future.
Glen Clova is one of the six Angus glens, offering superb views and an abundance of flora and wildlife from eagles flying overhead, red squirrels in the woodland, to roe deer wandering the hillside.
Hannah is driven by building positive relationships as a Member of the Board to connect and protect our landscapes and rural communities. A keen mountain wanderer, she is passionate about the nature and heritage of the Cairngorms.
Job Titles:
- Conservation Officer / Oifigear Glèidhteachais ( Job Share )
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- Sustainable Tourism Officer / Oifigear Airson Turasachd Sheasmhach
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- Health & Learning Coordinator / Rural Development Officer / Co - Òrdanaiche Slàinte Is Ionnsachaidh / Oifigear Leasachaidh Dùthchail
Janet Hunter has lived and worked in Strathardle for 16 years and has extensive knowledge of the unique nature of the Cairngorms as a skier and mountaineer. She has a degree in Geography and has an MSc in rural resources planning from Aberdeen University and a background in economic development. She is involved in encouraging entrepreneurial growth within small rural communities in areas such as renewables, food and outdoor activities. She has developed communication strategies for a range of organisations and businesses. Janet also has extensive knowledge of the ski industry both in Scotland and abroad and speaks several languages. Ministerial appointment.
Job Titles:
- Digital Content Coordinator / Co - Òrdanaiche Stuth Didseatach
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- Cairngorms Capercaillie Project: Communications Officer / Pròiseact Capall - Coille a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh: Oifigear Conaltraidh
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- Peatland Action Trainee Project Officer
John Kirk is elected to represent Ward 3. He farms 750ha at Nethybridge with his wife Anne. They run an agricultural and plant hire business and a builder's merchants with shops in Aviemore employing 30 people so are aware of the pressures businesses face in the area. Enjoys playing bowls to relax and is chairman of the Bothy newspaper. Served on NFU and is currently Showground Convener of Strathspey Farmers Club which is one of the Cairngorms National Parks biggest one-day events. Been involved with fundraising in Nethybridge for Christmas lights and Defibrillators. Loves the area and would love to see the wildlife improve for future generations.
Job Titles:
- East Cairngorms Moorland Partnership Officer / Oifigear Com - Pàirteachas a' Mhonaidh Ruaidh an Ear
Job Titles:
- Planning Ecological Advice Officer
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- Press & Corporate Communications Officer
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- Planning Officer ( Development Planning )
Kenny Deans was born in Ardgay, Sutherland and was raised in Edinburgh before taking up a teaching post at Kingussie High where he pursued his career in Education over a 34 year period.
He was involved as a senior commissioner for Scouting in the North of Scotland; Chair of the Badenoch & Strathspey Sports Council and Branch Secretary for the EIS for some years.
An award winning sports coach and community leader he is currently a Director with Kingussie Community Development Company.
An outdoor enthusiast who skis, bikes and climbs Ken is a keen gardener and allotment holder.
Job Titles:
- Rural Development Officer
Lauren MacCallum is the community representative for Ward 2.
Job Titles:
- Farmland Conservation Officer
Loch Garten has some excellent walks around the ancient Caledonian pine forest. It is renowned for its breeding population of ospreys as well as playing host to red squirrels, dragonflies and crested tits. Early in spring, you may be lucky enough to see the spectacular display of the capercaillie.
Only 10 minutes from the centre of Aviemore, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich is less than 4 miles from Cairngorm Mountain. Loch Morlich and Glenmore Forest Park offers something for everyone.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator ( Publications & Interpretation ) / Co - Òrdanaiche Conaltraidh ( Foillseachaidhean Agus Eadar - Mhìneachadh )
Mar Lodge Estate NNR is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Visit their website to find our more.
Job Titles:
- Peatland Action Programme Manager ( Programme Development )
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- Conservation Manager / Manaidsear Glèidhteachais
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- Land Management Adviser ( & Cairngorms 2030 Theme Lead )
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- Director of Planning & Place / Stiùiriche Planaidh Agus Àite
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- Head of Communications / Ceannard Conaltradh Is Nam Meadhanan
Paul Gibb is the community representative for Ward 5 - Aberdeenshire/Angus/Perth & Kinross.
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- Conservation Officer / Oifigear Glèidhteachais ( Job Share )
Russell Jones is an Independent Councillor, elected in May 2022, representing ward 20 Badenoch and Strathspey.
Job Titles:
- Conservation Officer / Oifigear Glèidhteachais
Job Titles:
- Peatland Action Project Assistant
Sandy's work on nature conservation follows a career as an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, living in North East Scotland. He has a passionate interest in how policies affect people and nature in rural areas. Sandy led a successful campaign to enhance national grant aid for river-restoration projects to help ecosystems and communities.
He has experience as a negotiator at national and international level on media-freedom issues. His overseas work has included advising Myanmar's state broadcaster on the transition from dictatorship, and helping to free jailed journalists in Turkey.
In his free time, Sandy is a keen fly-fisher, hillwalker and lover of contemporary and traditional music.
Job Titles:
- Planning Officer ( Development Planning & Environmental Advice )
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- Head of Conservation / Ceannard a' Ghlèidhteachais
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- Peatland Action Project Officer / Oifgear Pròiseict Na Talamh - Mònach
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- Planning Officer ( Development Management ) / Oifigear Planaidh ( Làimhseachadh Leasachaidh )
Steve Micklewright is an ecologist and has worked in nature conservation for over thirty years. He has a diverse range of experience including working as a botanical surveyor in south west England, undertaking community led wildlife projects and campaigns in Bristol and campaigning against illegal bird hunting in Malta. He is currently CEO of Trees for Life and Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance. He lives close to the National Park and aims to bring his diverse experience in nature conservation, community development as well as the recent pioneering work of Trees for Life to support the strategy and plans of the national park, especially with regard to nature restoration and its benefit to the community.
Job Titles:
- Heritage Horizons: Learning & Engagement Officer
Job Titles:
- Peatland Action Project Officer / Oifgear Pròiseict Na Talamh - Mònach
Job Titles:
- Outdoor Access Officer / Oifigear Airson Ruigsinn a' Bhlàir a - Muigh
Xander also has a keen interest in education policy, having held the post of Student Representative Council Chair at Perth College UHI - during a period of significant change in the college sector. He has also held a number of management positions in the tourism sector and is passionate about sustainable rural economic development and currently chairs the Pitlochry Business Forum.