Scottish Land and Estates appoints new support officer

A new regional support officer for South East Scotland and the Borders has been appointed by Scottish Land & Estates.

Clare Sturla joins the land-based business organisation from the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), where she served as Agri and Rural Affairs Manager.

Prior to her time at SAYFC, Clare worked for Members of Parliament at Westminster as well as time employed in public affairs in Brussels and in policy events and conferencing in Edinburgh.

At SLE, Clare will work closely with headquarters’ staff based at Musselburgh as well as regional chairman for the south east, Trevor Jackson of Charlesfield Farms near Melrose.

A new regional structure is being implemented by SLE, with greater autonomy for each region to decide priorities for the membership in their area. Clare will work with Trevor Jackson and other members to enhance activity on issues such as engagement with politicians, stakeholders and assistance in organising events and estate visits.

Clare said: ‘The opportunity to help Scottish Land & Estates reshape their regional activity was an exciting prospect given my own experience in public affairs, events as well as rural and farming matters.

‘Rural and land-based businesses contribute a huge amount to the economy of the Scottish Borders and whilst their importance is understood locally, the new workplan for the region will allow us to ensure greater visibility and engagement as well as internal contact between members. It will be a busy role but one I’m greatly looking forward to.’

Trevor added: ‘We have been working closely with Scottish Land & Estates staff at our headquarters as well as members from across the region to develop a tailored framework for what our local businesses need from the organisation.

‘We’re delighted that Clare is joining us to help deliver on that programme in the months ahead. Clare will provide support to members to build on our existing work and will ensure we have the confidence to collectively develop a greater voice at a time when there is no shortage of policy challenges for rural businesses, and to demonstrate the strong foundations the members provide to the rural economy.’