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Quality Meat Scotland
23/11/2007
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, today announced the appointment of Donald Biggar as Chair of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Mr Lochhead said:
"I am delighted to announce the appointment of Donald Biggar to the post of Chair of Quality Meat Scotland. Donald has proven to be an excellent leader of QMS over the past two years.
"He has outstanding experience of the red meat sector and I know that he is well qualified to meet the future challenges of QMS with confidence. This is particularly important as QMS moves towards Non-Departmental Public Body status."
This appointment will be for 3 years and will run formally from April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011. The appointment is on a part-time basis and attracts a remuneration of £321 per day for a time commitment of 2-3 days a week.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity to be made public. Within the last five years, Mr Biggar has not been involved in any political activity.
Quality Meat Scotland is Scotland's red meat promotional body, responsible for developing the red meat sector and promoting its produce around the world. Following a major review of all agricultural and horticultural levy bodies in Scotland, QMS - which is currently a private company - is to become a public body from 1 April 2008. QMS will be wholly accountable to Scottish Ministers.
Donald Biggar was appointed Chairman of Quality Meat Scotland in October 2005. He manages the family farming business near Castle Douglas where the main enterprises are beef and lamb production. The farm is also home to Chapelton Beef Shorthorn and Aberdeen Angus herds of pedigree cattle.
Donald was Chairman of the Royal Smithfield Club from 1997-99. He is a Director of WCF Ltd and he was appointed as a Director of SAC in October 2006. He is also a Commissioner of the Meat and Livestock Commission.
Work is underway to transform QMS from a private company to a public body. From April 1, 2008, QMS will have direct statutory responsibility for a range of functions including addressing consumers' requirements for high standards of assurance throughout the food chain, underpinning demand for red meat through promotion and marketing and providing information and advice on best practice to the Scottish industry.