Allan to lead trust

A Strathspey man is named as the new chairman for the Scottish Wildlife Trust

Published:

Allan Bantick, the new chairman for the Scottish Wildlife Trust. the Scottish Wildlife Trust

THE Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) has announced the appointment of a new chairman.

Allan Bantick will take up the three–year voluntary position when the current chairman, Dennis Dick, retires from office following SWT’s annual general meeting in September.

Mr Dick 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, who lives in Grantown-on-Spey, 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 Highlands.

During this period he developed a great affection for Scotland’s wild places. In 1990 he began working with wildlife groups in Badenoch and Strathspey and since then has worked extensively with individuals and groups concerned with wildlife conservation at local and national level.

He 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.”

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, the chairman’s job has been filled by just 10 people. Allan will work closely with council and SWT’s chief executive Simon Milne to drive the strategic direction of the trust.