George McRobbie FICFor Appointed Forestry Commissioner for Scotland

George McRobbie FICFor has been appointed as Forestry Commissioner for Scotland and the timber trade.

Mr McRobbie is a long-time member of the Institute, having been awarded an ICF Fellowship in 1990 and served as President for two years from 1998. As Managing Director of UPM Tilhill, he is well known for his broad knowledge of the forestry industry, having excellent experience in a wide range of its sectors over a number of years. He will serve as Commissioner for a three year term of office, which began on 1st April 2015.

Delighted with the appointment, Mr McRobbie commented:

“I am very pleased and honoured to be appointed to this important position during what I expect to be a very challenging period for the Forestry Commission as the devolution of forestry continues. An important part of my role will be to ensure that the timber trades’ views from both Scotland and England are represented and taken into account by the Forestry Commission.”

Mr McRobbie joined the Board of UPM Tilhill in 2001 and became Managing Director in 2012. Based at the company’s headquarters in Scotland, he leads a team working from a network of offices throughout the UK.

Scottish Ministers, No 10 and HM The Queen have also approved the re-appointment of Scottish Commissioner Amanda Bryan for a further three-year term of office from August 2015. Jo O’Hara has also been approved as an Executive Commissioner for Scotland.

The Board of Forestry Commissioners oversees the work of the Forestry Commission on behalf of Ministers.