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Scottish Land Commission appoint Hamish Trench as Chief Executive

The newly formed Scottish Land Commission has announced the appointment of Hamish Trench as their permanent Chief Executive.

Hamish will join the Scottish Land Commission from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. He will be responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the organisation and supporting Commissioners in fulfilling their functions.

Hamish will assume the role on 31 July 2017 taking over from the Commission’s interim Chief Executive, Hilary Pearce, who is currently seconded from Scottish Government.

Hamish 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, said:

“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.

“I would like to thank Hilary for all of her work over the last few months in setting up the organisation and supporting Commissioners. The establishment phase of any new organisation is always tricky and Hilary has created a solid foundation for Hamish to build on.”

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.”

Background - Hamish Trench

Hamish Trench will join the Scottish Land Commission from the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) where he is currently Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience.

Hamish joined CNPA in 2004 and 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.  A Chartered Surveyor, Hamish worked for a number of years as a Land Agent at Bidwells Property Consultants.  Hamish has had several pieces of research published which look at various land matters including community ownership, farming tenure and research collaboration.