Public appointment: Members appointed to the Quality Meat Scotland Board

The Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie MSP today announced the appointment of Frank Ross, Gareth Scott, and Isla Roebuck as Members of the Quality Meat Scotland Board. 

Members 

Frank Ross grew up on a family farm in Nairnshire where the main enterprises were cattle and sheep breeding. He has a good knowledge of all aspects of livestock breeding/genetics and finishing and continue to have a strong interest in all aspects of cattle and sheep breeding. Since 1998 Frank has worked for the ABP Group in the red meat processing sector. Through working in various roles, he has a good knowledge across the whole business. Recently, he has taken over the running of the ABP Bridge of Allan factory and prior to this was General Manager of ABP Perth for sixteen years.

Gareth Scott is a a beef and sheep farmer in North Ayrshire with over 30 years’ experience, with sheep as his main focus. His farm currently runs pedigree Dutch Spotted and Ryeland sheep, breeding stock suited to both pedigree breeders and commercial production. He manages everything from lambing to finishing, including purchasing store lambs for the spring market, with a strong emphasis on feeding and flock health. In recent years, Gareth has focused on sheep production and exhibits at local, district and county shows, alongside an interest in showing commercial calves. He also works for Scottish Leather Group as Group Hide Procurement & By-Product Sales Director, and his previous experience in livestock auctions and abattoirs give him a solid understanding of the entire supply chain. Gareth holds a business degree and was the past Chairman of both Ayrshire Agricultural Association and a district young farmers’ club. His experience across farming, selling and processing helps him stay ahead of market changes and make informed decisions for the business. 

Isla Roebuck has been over 40 years in the red meat industry, and this has been from hoof to plate. His current role in the Dunbia business, part of the Dawn Meats Group, is Business Public Relations Director. He has also contributed at the highest levels to industry bodies, serving as President and board member in organisations such as the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers and the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA). He is also a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Butchers. His experience uniquely positions him to support Quality Meat Scotland in driving the Scottish red meat sector forward with the rest of the QMS Board. 

Appointments 

The appointments will be for 4 years and will run from 26 January 2026 to 25 January 2030. 

The appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration 

The appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £3,967.20 for a time commitment of 20 days per year. 

Other ministerial appointments 

Frank Ross, Gareth Scott, and Isla Roebuck do not hold any other public appointments. 

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.    

Frank Ross, Gareth Scott, and Isla Roebuck have had no political activity within the last five years.  

Background 

Quality Meat Scotland’s mission is to deliver a range of activities to support the development of a sustainable, professional, profitable and resilient Scottish red meat industry. Quality Meat Scotland promotes and protects the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specifically Selected pork brands through clear, effective communication to ensure consumers fully understand what sets the brands apart – the Scotch Difference.  

QMS works collaboratively across the whole supply chain including farmers, processors, auction marts, livestock hauliers, feed merchants, food service providers, butchers, retailers, research institutes and learning providers to build efficiency, brand integrity and consumer confidence.