Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is pleased to announce that it has welcomed five Trustees.

PKCT is an independent charity that negotiates access to land, builds footpaths, helps care for the countryside and undertakes conservation projects all to improve and promote access to the countryside for walker, cyclists and horse riders. It manages Perthshire Big Tree Country, the Cateran Trail and Perthshire Conifer Conservation Programme, and also work with communities.

The new Trustees are charged with contributing towards the future of the countryside and natural heritage of Perth and Kinross.

The skills and interests of PKCT’s new Trustees range from fundraising, climate change, conservation and education, to all things forestry and photography.

	Carol Ann Smith is a skilled influencer and fundraising professional with over 20 years’ experience influencing at all levels to make a difference and add value. An excellent strategic thinker, she is currently the Senior Fundraising Manager at Abertay University.
	Clare Hamilton is a biodiversity and climate change expert with over 20 years’ experience in environmental law and policy with UK and Scottish Governments. She most recently held the post of Climate Change Deputy Director at the Scottish Government.
	Stephen Woollard is an enthusiastic, self-motivated conservation educator and manager with over 30 years’ practical experience in zoo education, interpretation, conservation and design projects. He is currently the owner and education consultant at www.ZooStephen.com.
	Roger Coppock was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to Forestry following a career of over 40 years in the industry, including serving as Head of Corporate and Forestry Support at the Forestry Commission.
	Cat Burton is an outdoor photographer and explorer focusing on the Scottish countryside (particularly Perthshire). Her goal is to make a difference with her photography and to use her skills for good; to encourage others to explore our countryside and to provide a voice for nature.

PKCT’s Chairman of the Board, Cedric Wilkins, said of the appointments:

With so much uncertainly, anxiety and restrictions in place just now across the world, we are so happy to have a bit of good news to share.

Our new Trustees bring a broad width of experience to the table, which will help supplement the already outstanding talent pool of our employees and existing Trustees and will really help shape the future direction of the Trust.