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Deer Commission for Scotland
19/12/2008
Minister for Environment Michael Russell today announced the re-appointment of Professor John Milne MBE as Chairman of the Deer Commission for Scotland.
"I am delighted to announce the re-appointment of John Milne as Chairman of the Deer Commission for Scotland."
Professor John Milne MBE lives in Moray. He was Deputy Director of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute from 1992-2004, having worked for the Hill Farming Research Organisation from 1970 - 1986. He has specialised in research into the grazing behaviour of cattle, sheep and other herbivores, including red deer, and their effects on hill vegetation, especially heather.
He has published widely on these subjects and is involved in a range of scientific societies and bodies. He was a Member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Deer Management Groups from 1996-9. He was a Commissioner of the Deer Commission for Scotland from 1999-2004 and its Chairman from 2005 until the present.
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
This appointment will be for three years and will run from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2011, or until the enactment of the proposed merger of the Deer Commission with Scottish Natural Heritage, whichever is sooner and subject to legislation passing to merge the two organisations.
This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £262.06 per day for a time commitment of up to 8 days per month.
The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) with a Board appointed by, and accountable to, Scottish Ministers. DCS was established by the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996 as a successor to the Red Deer Commission. DCS employs 26 staff in its two offices in Inverness and Stirling.
Proposals were made by the First Minister in January 2008 to merge DCS with Scottish Natural Heritage.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
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 (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.
Professor Milne has not undertaken any political activities in the last five years.
Professor Milne holds no other public appointments.