Former Green MSP Robin Harper has started his role as Chairman following the Trust's Annual General Meeting and National Members' Day on Saturday 20 September.

A prominent environmentalist, academic and politician, Mr Harper was a teacher for 37 years before becoming Scotland’s first Green parliamentarian in 1999 when he was elected as an additional member for the Lothian region.

He sat on the Environment Committee and made contributions to most pieces of major environmental legislation between 1999 and 2011, including the Water Environment Act, the Marine Act and the Climate Change Act.

National Members' Day was a resounding success with talks from Trust Chief Executive, Jonny Hughes, and special guest, Dr George McGavin. Click here to read Jonny Hughes' speech.

During the event, a special 50th Anniversary film produced by People's Postcode Lottery was screened for the first time, celebrating the work of the Trust over the past 50 years. 

Later on in proceedings, broadcaster and Trust Ambassador Stephen Jardine chaired a “Wildlife Question Time”, where members of the audience had the opportunity to ask specially selected experts about the most important issues facing wildlife and the environment. Panel guests included Aubrey Manning OBE, Trust Chief Executive Jonny Hughes, outgoing Trust Chairman Allan Bantick, special guest Dr George McGavin and recent Experts for Nature graduate Elizabeth Drake.