Forestry chief made new James Hutton Institute board chair

The James Hutton Institute (JHI) has announced the new chairman of its board of directors is Dr Ian Gambles.

Dr Gambles, who is chief executive of the Forestry Commission, has previously worked with HM Treasury, the Planning Inspectorate and advisory firms KPMG and Deloitte. He succeeds Professor James Curran, who will be made an honorary fellow at JHI.

Dr Gambles said scientific expertise was a critical asset for Scotland and beyond as the world faces up to the challenges of climate change, food security, environmental resilience and land use change.

He added: “The value of the institute’s work deserves wider recognition and I am committed to supporting (JHI chief executive) Colin Campbell and all our talented staff as we move forward on an ambitious but sustainable path to achieving even greater impact in future.”