22 December 2014
SCOTLAND’S FIRST NATIONAL PARK APPOINTS NEW CEO
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Gordon Watson as its new Chief Executive following the announcement in October that Fiona Logan is moving to a position in the private sector.
Gordon is currently the National Park’s Director of Operations. The appointment comes with responsibility for a team of 142 people working across conservation, visitor experience and rural development.
Gordon brings a wealth of National Park experience and knowledge from his current role to help him lead the work of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority and coordinate successful delivery of an ambitious National Park Partnership Plan.
Between 1999 and 2002, he was instrumental in establishing Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, including as a new planning authority. He subsequently developed the planning function into a delivery focused operation using innovative approaches and partnership working to attract high quality and sustainable development to the National Park.
Linda McKay, Convenor of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “Gordon has championed our National Park since its inception in 2002 and has achieved national recognition for his outstanding work on planning and sustainable development.
“He has established great relationships with our communities, local businesses and partners and is really well placed to lead on the delivery of Scotland's aspirations for world class National Parks.”
The Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Dr Aileen McLeod, said: “I was very pleased to approve the appointment of Gordon Watson as Chief Executive of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. I look forward to working with him as the Park Authority and its many partners continue to take forward the Park's Partnership Plan and to deliver a wide range of outcomes on conservation, visitor experience and rural development.
“I also want to pay tribute to the excellent leadership which Fiona Logan has provided to the Park Authority over the past six years and I wish her every success in the future.”
Gordon Watson said: “I am proud and honoured to be succeeding Fiona Logan in leading the fantastic, dedicated team here at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. We have achieved a great deal over the past 12 years, but there is still important work to do to continue to protect and enhance this special place, dear to me and to the millions of people who love to spend time here.
“My focus is on ensuring we continue our momentum, working hard, alongside partners, to look after the Park, support our communities and businesses, and deliver a wide range of benefits for Scotland."
Gordon will take up his post in January. He lives locally, in the village of Gartocharn, with his wife and two daughters.
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