Public appointment: chair reappointed to the board of NatureScot

The Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP, today announced the reappointment of Dr Mike Cantlay as Chair of the Board of NatureScot.

Chair

Dr Mike Cantlay has been NatureScot’s chair since May 2017. He has held a number of prominent board positions and has over 20 years’ experience of public sector governance. This includes leadership roles at a wide range of organisations including Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, VisitScotland, Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, Forth Valley College, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Airports and the Scottish Funding Council, which he currently chairs. His varied experience has been invaluable to NatureScot as it has redefined the relationship between the Scottish people and nature and navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead his leadership will be critical in ensuring NatureScot positions itself to rise to the challenges of tackling the twin crises of biodiversity and climate change.

Reappointment

Dr Cantlay has been reappointed for one year from 15 May 2022 to 14 May 2023.

The reappointment is regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

Remuneration and time commitment

Dr Cantlay receives £361.43 per day for a time commitment of ten days per month.

Other ministerial appointments

Dr Cantlay is Chair of the Board of the Scottish Funding Council and receives £485.00 per day for a time commitment of two days per week.

Political activity

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 within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.

Dr Cantlay has had no political activity within the last five years.

NatureScot

NatureScot is Scotland’s nature agency, it works to improve Scotland’s natural environment and inspire everyone to care more about it. The organisation works to promote, care for and improve Scotland’s natural heritage; enable greater understanding and awareness of nature; promote the sustainable use of Scotland’s natural heritage; and help people to enjoy nature responsibly. NatureScot plays a key role in supporting the delivery of Scottish Government environmental priorities, including action to tackle to twin climate emergencies of climate change and biodiversity loss. For more information, visit NatureScot's website or follow them on Twitter.