THE new executive director of the Scottish Forestry Trust has told of his excitement at taking on the role. 

Dr Stuart Glen will assume the position in June when current incumbent Amanda Bryan steps down. 

Well-known in forestry, Stuart moves to the SFT after serving for 10 years as member services director for the Institute of Chartered Foresters.

Stuart, who will leave his position at the ICF in time, said: "I am excited to take up this role with the Scottish Forestry Trust at a time when the Trust is consolidating its position as one of the premier funders of research, education and training in British Forestry."

Having secured his PhD from the University of Birmingham in entomology in the 1990s, Stuart went on to gain over 20 years’ experience in fundraising and marketing with a range of organisations including eight years with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. 

Paul Atkinson, chair of the SFT, said “The Trustees are absolutely delighted that we have been able to secure the services of someone of Stuart’s calibre. 

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"He brings a unique set of skills which will help the Trust grow its funding so that we can support a greater number of initiatives in forestry education, training and research.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to outgoing executive director Amanda Bryan for all of her hard work over the last four years.”

Amanda will be stepping down from the SFT at the end of July 2024 after a period of handover with Stuart.

The Scottish Forestry Trust was established in 1983 by a gift of share capital, and our role is to provide funds by way of grants, to support research, education and training in forestry throughout the UK.