Our board

Amanda Bryan is a Chartered Forester with qualifications in marine resource management and electrical and electronic engineering. She is based in the Highlands, near Beauly.

Amanda has extensive experience in rural and community development and stakeholder engagement. She currently holds two other public appointments as Forestry Commissioner for Scotland, chairing the Forestry Commission’s National Committee for Scotland and as a Board Member for Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  Amanda is also Chair of the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust and a part-time lecturer at the Scottish School of Forestry, Inverness College UHI.

Michael lives on and works a family croft in Lochaber. He is a retired GP and former Leader of Highland Council.

Over the last 30 years Michael has had wide experience of and direct involvement in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, renewables, education, community ownership and empowerment in the Highlands & Islands.  He chairs the FE Regional Board for the Highlands and Islands. Michael sits on Crown Estate Scotland’s Investment Committee and leads the Board’s engagement on aquaculture.

Andrew has extensive experience working in businesses of all sizes in both private and public sectors, internationally and in Scotland. He has served on a number of boards in both executive and non-executive roles, and has a very strong commercial record underpinned by a commitment to safety excellence, robust governance and oversight.

Andrew’s most recent executive role was with Scottish Water where he was responsible for the non-regulated business, commercial land and property portfolio, growth of renewable energy generation and the construction and start-up of water technology and development centres.

Robert spent 25 years as a Business Technology and Consulting partner at Scott-Moncrieff, leading their Corporate and Consulting Services arm. He has always had a passion for improving the excellence of public sector service delivery.

Robert has an in depth understanding of finance, business and audit. He was Head of Audit for multiple organisations and provided training and guidance to Audit Committee and Board members of his clients. Robert was a member of Scott-Moncrieff’s Board for over 15 years and Chair for the last four years before retiring. Robert chairs the Audit & Risk Committee.

Richard lives and works in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. After spending ten years as a commercial director in the marine renewables industry for the European Marine Energy Centre and the National Renewable Energy Centre he is now a business development manager for Forest Research.

As a non-executive director / trustee for Greenspace Scotland, Richard is proud to represent a charity changing the way we think about, use and manage our green spaces and networks

Hugh has worked in land and water management for much of his career. He is a non-executive director of two privately-owned Scottish estates, including his family’s business at Ardtornish.

Hugh has a long standing interest in aquaculture and in renewable energy, and chairs the Marine Conservation Society, the Open Seas Trust, the West Highland Coastal Trust and the Environmental Funders’ Network.

Alister has more than 30 years’ experience in delivering affordable housing and community regeneration and a considerable track record of strategic planning and business leadership. Alister was awarded the MBE in 2014 for services to social housing and regeneration.

Alister chairs Crown Estate Scotland’s Investment Committee and leads Board engagement on commercial and urban matters.

Liz Leonard is a communications specialist with experience both in broadcast media (radio and television) and strategic communications consultancy.

Liz is based in Glasgow and currently is Chair of Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Scotland and vice Chair of the Scottish Refugee Council. 

Jean is an HR professional with a background mainly in the Public Sector. She also brings with her a wealth of experience in Change Management, Corporate Affairs and Health & Safety.

 Jean previously worked with the Forestry Commission across GB and now splits her time between North East Fife and Edinburgh.