Newsroom | Releases/Statements | Archive | 2000 | 'Bill Howatson Appointed To SEPA Board'

Bill Howatson appointed to SEPA Board
28 March 2000 - Ref 16/00

Aberdeenshire councillor Bill Howatson has recently been appointed as a main board member of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Mr. Howatson is a former farming editor and leader writer with the Press and Journal newspaper in Aberdeen. He now works as a freelance journalist and commentator specialising in agriculture and rural affairs, as well as being a Councillor for the rural ward of Mearns South in Aberdeenshire.

His contribution to agricultural writing was recognised earlier this month (February) when he was made an associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies. He is a former Scottish Columnist of the Year and was winner of the Stuart Seaton award for agricultural writing.

Mr. Howatson also holds positions on the east areas board of Scottish Natural Heritage, the Health Education Board for Scotland, Angus College Board of Management, and is a governor of the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Howatson said: " As a writer on rural affairs I am acutely aware of SEPA's potential role in the countryside and in safeguarding the environment. Agriculture is not without its problems at the moment, and farmers are rightly concerned about the economic health of their industry.

"But as agricultural practises have become more intense, so concern has increased about their environmental impact. The debate has widened dramatically. I see it as part of SEPA's role to help shape future thinking in ways in which farmers can adapt their methods to the longer-term benefit of the environment.

"Farmers have a record of adaptability and a willingness to meet new challenges. One of the key tasks facing SEPA is to contribute positively to the land use debate and influence the direction of agricultural policy.

"Communicating with, and about, farmers has been my professional life for 20 years, and I look forward enthusiastically to spreading the work about SEPA and making a contribution to raising the agency's profile in rural areas."

ENDS

NOTES:

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was established under the Environment Act 1995.
Its main duty is to protect the environment by controlling pollution to land, air and water in Scotland.
The dates of the SEPA Main Board meetings are available from SEPA Public Relationsand are advertised in The Herald, The Scotsman and The Press & Journal.
Regional Boards meet 4 times a year, the meetings are advertised in the local press.
Agency Board meeting agendas are available in advance of the meetings, and papers for the meeting are posted to our Web page the day of the meeting. Board minutes are posted to the Web page once they have been agreed.
Pictures of all board members are available from SEPA Public Affairs

SEPA Press Office contacts

SEPA Public Relationsteam - Direct telephone numbers: 01786 457723/4 Fax: 01786 448040

SEPA Head Office, Erskine Court, The Castle Business Park, STIRLING FK9 4TR
Tel: 01786 457700 Fax: 01786 448040

Contact SEPA Public Relationsat publicrelations@sepa.org.uk