BUSINESSMAN Simon Skinner has been named as the new Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, the country's largest conservation charity.
Mr Skinner, former Chief Executive of pension provider Aegon Ireland, will take over the post vacated by Kate Mavor next week.
His appointment comes amid a period of financial concern for the group, which oversees some of Scotland's most treasured places and World Heritage sites, after it alarms were sounded over the multi-million pound repair and restoration bill it faces over the next decade.
However, he said that he welcomed the challenge to safeguard the Trust's extensive holdings four future generations.
He said: "I am truly looking forward to becoming the National Trust for Scotland's new Chief Executive.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for me to use my skills and experience to help conserve and protect some of the most treasured and evocative places in Scotland.
"From the progress made in the last five years, I hope to further build a legacy of a vibrant and secure Trust that is fully engaged with its members and is even more effective in delivering its core purpose of conserving and promoting our heritage."
He added: "Over the last thirty years I have loved visiting the wonderful places the Trust cares for with my children, so I am acutely aware of the importance of encouraging new generations to enjoy them as much as we did."
As well as leading Aegon's Irish division, Mr Skinner's career has taken in corporate services, management and marketing roles with the Automobile Association, Scottish Widows and Greater Glasgow Health Board.
His predecessor stepped down earlier this year after announcing she would be taking up a new position as chief executive of English Heritage.
Ms Mavor once warned that the Trust faced 'financial meltdown' over the looming repair bills, but said that the organisation was in better financial health when she stood down in April.
During her time in charge, the Trust 20 per cent of its staff and underwent a substantial reorganisation.
The National Trust for Scotland is the country's third largest landowner with 190,000 acres of properties.cares for many of the most iconic Scottish sites, including Glencoe, Fair Isle, Culzean Castle, Culross and the dual World Heritage site of St Kilda, and has a membership in excess of 330,000.
Welcoming the new Chief executive Sir Moir Lockhead, National Trust for Scotland's Chairman said: "Simon Skinner brings an absolute wealth of leadership experience to the Trust.
"Simon will play a key role as we chart the charity's future through development of a fresh long-term vision and strategy. He can put his expertise in change management and strategic thinking to immediate use as we continue to modernise and enhance the Trust for the good of its members and the nation.
"Simon will build upon the firm foundations laid by his predecessor, Kate Mavor and, in particular, will focus upon setting and meeting targets for fundraising and revenue generation, which in turn will allow us to fulfil our conservation ambitions.
"The Trust's Board, volunteers and staff offer Simon a warm welcome."
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