Dr Nanette Milne MSP, Shadow Environment Spokesperson for the Conservative Party today, Monday 28 September 2009, visited the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve in Angus. Her visit was part of on-going programme by the charity to ensure that wildlife and the environment are firmly on the political agenda.
Speaking on the visit, Dr Milne said:“I was delighted to visit Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust to see at first-hand the first class interactive facilities on offer.
“The Scottish Wildlife Trust does a great job to inspire people to enjoy and find out more about wildlife through education and engagement, continuously contributing to the enhancement and preservation of habitats and wildlife throughout Scotland.
“The visitor centre at Montrose Basin provides a great opportunity for people to see some of Scotland’s most spectacular wildlife. The panoramic views across the Basin are enhanced by the high-powered telescopes which seem to bring the wildlife right into the visitor centre.”
As part of the visit, Dr Milne was given an insight into the wildlife found on the reserve and she was able to experience first-hand thousands of birds arriving at the site on their migratory journey. Discussions also followed on the practical conservation activities undertaken by SWT and key policies such as the Marine (Scotland) Bill currently working its way through the Scottish Parliament.
Also joining the Minister on the visit was Claire Stewart from the People’s Postcode Lottery. To date, SWT as one of the charity recipients of Scotland’s charity lottery has received over £772,023 towards its vital work.
Tony King, SWT Head of Policy, commented: “The Scottish Wildlife Trust is delighted that senior politicians like Nanette Milne recognise the importance of the Trust’s practical conservation work, our commitment to inspiring people and to our positive influence on conservation policy in Scotland, none of which would be possible without support from our members and the generosity of donors like the People’s Postcode Lottery.”
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NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Dr Milne is the Conservative MSP for the North East. For more information on Nanette Milne visit www.nanettemilne.co.uk
- SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 35,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 reserves Scotland-wide.
- The People’s Postcode Lottery is the lottery for charities in Scotland. Launched in November 2007, PPL represents a unique fundraising concept where players play with their postcode to win cash prizes whilst supporting local Scottish charities. 40p from each ticket sold goes direct to charity in Scotland. To date SWT have received over £772,023 from PPL which helps maintain the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s network of over 120 reserves across Scotland.
- SWT receives financial assistance and support from Scottish Natural Heritage and the People’s Postcode Lottery.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Clara Govier, SWT, Tel: 0131 312 4747