Brendan has been leading the establishment of Environmental Standards Scotland since April 2021. He was previously Head of Operational Delivery with Scottish Forestry, responsible for key government forestry and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programmes, including the Climate Change Plan tree planting target and the £60m per annum Forestry Grant Scheme.

Brendan was also responsible for promoting sustainable forestry and land management through the regulation of forestry activities across Scotland. In this role he worked closely with the Scottish Government and European Union to develop, deliver, and monitor the Scottish Rural Development Programme and helped to produce new legislation for the devolution of forestry powers and regulation of forestry.

Brendan has a strong track record of working with environmental and industry stakeholders to develop and lead environmental initiatives, has led Scottish Forestry’s stakeholder group since 2013 and was previously Chair of the Red Squirrels Northern England partnership. Prior to this, Brendan held a range of senior roles within the Forestry Commission. He has a degree in Ecological Science from Edinburgh University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters.