The Scottish Land Commission has appointed Hamish Trench as its new Chief Executive.

Mr Trench is taking over from interim Chief Executive Hilary Pearce and will join the organisation from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) on 31 July 2017.

Having joined the CNPA in 2004, Mr Trench has held a number of different roles, including Director of Strategic Land Use and Head of Heritage and Land Management. He was also seconded from the Authority to the Deer Commission for a year, taking on the role of Head of Strategy.

As well as being a chartered surveyor, Trench worked for a number of years as a Land Agent at Bidwells Property Consultants and has had several pieces of research published which look at various land matters including community ownership, farming tenure and research collaboration.

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Speaking on his new role, he said: "I am delighted to have been appointed Chief Executive of the Scottish Land Commission. Working in such a new and exciting organisation and being part of driving land reform forward is a unique opportunity. It is a privilege to lead the Commission at this important time and I look forward to working with Commissioners, staff and other partner organisations."

Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Andrew Thin, added: "I am very pleased that Hamish is joining the Commission. He has extensive knowledge and experience in land issues, as well as enthusiasm and drive to lead the organisation forward in developing and implementing our Strategic Plan."

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: "I would like to congratulate Mr Trench on his appointment as the Chief Executive of the Scottish Land Commission. As a chartered surveyor with extensive experience in the public and private sectors, he will bring leadership and focus to land reform issues, shaping future developments and ensuring that land continues to play a major part in helping communities across Scotland realise their potential. I wish him great success with this crucial work."

(LM)