New adviser joins Scottish Land & Estates

Scottish Land & Estates has enhanced its policy team with the appointment of a new adviser on agriculture.

Eleanor Kay joins the organisation from Rothamsted Research, the world leading research centre for agricultural science and innovation, where she worked as the knowledge exchange manager.

Prior to her current role, Eleanor held positions in agricultural development at Birds Eye and as a trials officer at Oxford Agricultural Trials.

At SLE, Eleanor will join a staff team which has been growing in recent months, with a number of new appointments across both the policy and regional functions.

At this pivotal moment in Scottish agriculture, Eleanor will focus on issues such as post-Brexit agriculture policy and support, delivery of public goods and progressing the natural capital agenda, Scotland’s Land Use Strategy, climate change, water quality, and soil health.
Eleanor will also be involved in developing opportunities for new entrants to agriculture, as well as supporting SLE’s work on women in agriculture and agricultural holdings.

Eleanor said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining SLE at such an important moment for Scottish agriculture. This sector is facing an uncertain future with big changes on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to playing my part to help Scotland’s farmers thrive.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to get more involved in policy creation as well as providing advice directly to farming businesses. I’m excited to begin work and hopefully use my knowledge to assist our members who are passionate about creating a strong and successful rural Scotland.’

Sarah-Jane Laing, executive director at SLE said: ‘Agriculture is one of the key sectors for SLE members and the knowledge that Eleanor brings to this role, especially on innovation and knowledge exchange, will be extremely useful as Scotland’s farming sector looks for new ways to improve its resilience and plan for life outside of the European Union.’

Katy Dickson, SLE head of policy, added: ‘Eleanor was an outstanding candidate for the role and will be a great asset to the organisation. The wealth of experience, knowledge and passion Eleanor brings will mean she can make an important contribution straight away.’