National role for Patrick Colquhoun

The assistant chief executive of Luss Estates has been appointed to a national role representing rural businesses.

Patrick Colquhoun (right) has been named as vice chair (policy) of Scottish Land & Estates (SLE).

He will steer policy development and political positions of the organisation, which is based in Musselburgh, as well as chairing its national policy group and acting as a representative externally.

Patrick has been operationally involved with Luss Estates since 2016, having previously served as a director of the company for over 10 years.

He also is a member of Luss and Arden Community Council and a director of the Luss and Arden Development Trust.

Early in his career, Patrick lived in Dubai and Singapore, working in Executive Search, and graduated with a degree in American History from Kings College, London.

He completed an MBA at Strathclyde University in 2015 and lives in Luss with his wife and two children.

“The work of Scottish Land & Estates in representing the interests of rural businesses is hugely important and I’m looking forward to contributing towards that in the coming months and years,” he said.

“It is vital that policies that reflect the needs of Scotland’s rural communities are high on the agenda for politicians and SLE will continue to ensure that rural voice is heard.

“Our members deliver a fantastic contribution for the benefit of people, jobs and nature and we want to build on that in partnership with others.”

He will work with chairman Dee Ward, chief executive Sarah-Jane Laing and director of policy Stephen Young in representing members’ interests as an array of new legislation comes forward including bills on land reform, agriculture, wildlife management and muirburn, natural environment, and housing.

Dee Ward, SLE chairman, said: “We are delighted to welcome Patrick to his new role.

“His extensive experience within land and rural businesses, as well as his dedication to community engagement, make him an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to his contributions to our policy work.”