Dr Kenny Taylor FRSA has been appointed as our new Chair and will take over from Linda Rosborough at the charity’s AGM in September.

Kenny is a well-known figure in the world of conservation as an ecologist, writer, editor, broadcaster and musician. He has extensive knowledge of the Scottish Wildlife Trust as Chair of the North of Scotland Local Group and previously a Vice Chair of the Trust and Convenor of the Trust’s Conservation Committee.

Jo Pike, Chief Executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust said: “I am delighted to see Kenny appointed as the Trust’s new Chair on the eve of the charity’s 60th Anniversary celebrations in 2024. Kenny will bring hugely valuable experience and insights which are relevant to many areas of the Trust’s work. His connections with the Scottish Wildlife Trust extend over many years, including having been involved when the Trust supported the community buy-out of the Isle of Eigg in 1997, along with more recent involvement in the campaign to save Coul Links and the establishment of Riverwoods.

“The staff team and I very much look forward to working with Kenny in our efforts to put nature at the heart of Scotland’s future. We are at a critical time for nature and Kenny will be invaluable in helping the Scottish Wildlife Trust to continue its role as a collaborative, pioneering and impact-focused key player.

“I would also like to extend my personal thanks to Linda Rosborough, our outgoing Chair, who has been an immense support through an unprecedented time, which has seen a global pandemic along with much social and economic change. Linda has overseen many successes in her six years as Chair and I am grateful to her for ensuring that the Trust is on a strong footing going forward.”

This new board appointment for Highland-based Kenny Taylor builds on his previous experience chairing environmental charity Trees for Life and the Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action project. On his new appointment Kenny said: “From its grassroots membership boosting wildlife on local patches to projects over entire landscapes, the Scottish Wildlife Trust ranges deep and far.

“Faced with the twin emergencies of biodiversity loss and climate change, Scotland needs such breadth of engagement more than ever. As the Scottish Wildlife Trust approaches its seventh decade, it will be a privilege, a challenge and a pleasure to be part of this vital work.”