Scottish Rural Action supports the rural movement in Scotland.

Working with partners to ensure we have an efficient, productive, sustainable and profitable livestock sector.

• Lead author of recommendations on future policy for food production and farming.• Identification & analysis of state of play and emerging priorities for rural policy

2011-06 - 2019-11 Head of Scottish Rural Network Support UnitScottish Government, Edinburgh, UK• Established £4m rural network support unit• Managed implementation of £72m 2007-2013 LEADER Programme• Established and designed £86m LEADER programme for 2014-20.• Established Scottish Rural Parliament process including setting up of body to drive rural parliament.• UK lead for the 11th OECD Conference on Rural Development working with OECD, European Commission and ENRD Contact Point.• UK Rural Network representative on EC Rural Networks Assembly, Networks Steering Group and LEADER Sub-group.• Contributed to EU level policy dialogue, including European Rural Parliament, H2020 projects, seminars and conferences (including as facilitator and rapporteur)• Partner in Interreg IVC project on sustainable food systems• Working with partners to create conditions for establishment of UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere.• Designed, established and led Rural Innovation Support Service• Co-founder & Steering Group member of UK's Farmer Led Innovation Network• Initiated Scottish participation in OECD project on Enhancing Rural Innovation.

• Produced Organic Action Plan for Scotland• Led engagement on short supply chains. Managed contract for advice on food marketing and organics. Laid foundations for 'think local' initiative.• Led work with SA Partners on seafood supply chain collaboration• Heavily influenced evolution of Scotland Food and Drink• Working closely with counterparts in London and Brussels on regulations around food labelling, organics, protected food names and seafood.

LabellingNational Food Policy - Lead within the Division for Workstream 2 on Healthier on Sustainable Choices, supporting the chair and the membership.Liaised with Cabinet Office, Defra and DA’s on preparation of cabinet paper on food policy.Local Food, Organics, Environmental impactsInterreg IVC - Lead Scottish element of the preparation of an application to the Interreg IVC Committee on sustainable food systems in Europe.

Led on the consultation on the Aquaculture & Fisheries Bill. Led on analysis and SE response to the consultation. Also prepared Sustainability Appraisal of the Bill upon introduction to Parliament.Environmental Policy - worked on escapes, research liaison and led the establishment of Scottish Aquaculture Research Forum (SARF)