The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) today (Tuesday 1 July 2008) announced the appointment of a new Chairman for the Trust. Allan Bantick will take up the three–year voluntary position when the current Chairman, Dennis Dick, retires from office following SWT’s AGM in September 2008.

Dennis Dick, Chairman of Council said; “Allan has been involved in wildlife conservation in Scotland and with the Scottish Wildlife Trust for some time. His passion for wildlife is evident and he is already closely involved in running the Trust, particularly as Chairman of the Beaver Steering Group which is guiding our historic trial reintroduction project. I am delighted that Council has elected Allan and I am confident that when I take leave of the chairmanship in September, he will take the forward the Trust to even greater achievements.”

Allan Bantick said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Chairman of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. There are not many organisations that have such a wide wildlife remit in Scotland and that play such a pivotal role in protecting our magnificent natural heritage. With environment high on political and personal agendas, we have a very challenging but exciting time ahead. I would like to thank Dennis for the amazing contribution he has made to the Trust and for leaving the organisation in such a progressive and stable position.”

Born in 1939, Allan served in the Royal Air Force for 26 years until 1983, spending the final 10 years teaching outdoor pursuits, survival and mountain rescue in the Scottish Highlands.  During this period he developed a great affection for Scotland’s wild places.

In 1983 he set up a sound recording and live music business in Grantown-on-Spey and today still lives in the area.  In 1990 he began working with wildlife groups in Badenoch and Strathspey.  Since then, he has worked extensively with individuals and groups concerned with wildlife conservation at local and national level.  He is the Vice Chairman of Scottish Badgers, Chairman of Boat of Garten Wildlife Group and a former member of the SWT North Region Committee representing Badenoch and Strathspey. Allan is also Deputy Convener of SWT’s Conservation Committee as well as Chairman of the Beaver Steering Group.

SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland with 30,000 members, over 120 reserves across Scotland and three visitor centres. Since it was established as a charity in 1964, there have been just 10 chairs. Today the Trust has a staff of around 80 with a number of these based at its headquarters in Cramond, Edinburgh. SWT’s Council, is made up of up to 14 trustees plus the Chairman. Allan will work closely with Council and SWT’s Chief Executive Simon Milne to drive the strategic direction of the Trust.