New Board Convener for National Park’s next chapter
Dr Heather Reid, a science education consultant and former weather forecaster with the Met Office and BBC Scotland, has been elected to become the new Convener of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
She was elected as Convener by the Park Authority’s Board at its meeting on Monday 12th December and will take up her new position on 1st February 2023.
She takes on the role for a three-year period, replacing current Convener James Stuart, who has served the maximum two terms.
First appointed to the National Park Board in November 2018, Dr Reid brings to the role over 25 years’ experience in public science engagement and outreach, especially in environmental sciences.
Her appointment comes during the 20th anniversary year for Scotland’s first National Park and at a time when the role of the National Park Authority is evolving, with an increased focus on tackling the global climate emergency and nature crisis.
Dr Reid said: “It is an honour to have been elected as the next Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority.
“I look forward to working with our Board and staff as we finalise our important new National Park Partnership Plan during 2023. I am especially committed to our developing work around nature and climate and look forward to further engagement on these topics with National Park communities, visitors and key stakeholders next year.”
The current Convener, James Stuart, is stepping down in February 2023 after serving the maximum two terms. His eight years on the National Park Board saw the Park Authority responding to considerable growth in visitor numbers, the Covid-19 pandemic and growing urgency to act on the climate and nature crises.
Mr Stuart said: “I’d like to be the first to congratulate Heather on her appointment as Convener. It has been a huge privilege to have been able to serve in that role for the last six years and I believe Heather will be able to take the Park Authority to even greater heights.”
As Convener, Dr Reid will chair the National Park Authority Board, which is responsible for making strategic decisions for the National Park on matters such as nature, climate, visitor management and planning.
With a background in weather and climate, she has worked for over 25 years to raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and since joining the Board, has been worked on issues including sustainable travel, nature recovery and the Park Authority’s journey to net zero emissions.
Dr Reid also plays an active role with the National Park’s Youth Committee, working with young people from the area to champion their voices in Board decision-making.