The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced the composition of its new East Regional Board. A list of members and their biographical details is attached.

SEPA is Scotland's official environmental regulator, responsible for controlling pollution and improving the quality of the Scottish environment. Its main Agency Board is appointed by Scottish Ministers and SEPA appoints members to its three Regional Boards. As the terms of appointment of most current Regional Board members end in June 2000, SEPA advertised in the national press for new members and received a total of 425 applications. A copy of the text of the advertisement is attached for information.

Announcing the new Board membership, East Region Chairman Councillor Corrie McChord said:

"It is heartening that so many people - 170 in total - applied to become East Region Board members. This is a reflection of the high level of interest in and commitment to protecting the environment in our area. From my point of view, the selection process was very difficult, but I believe we have succeeded not only in achieving the balance of interests required by the statutory guidance but also in securing the services of 12 talented individuals. My only regret is that we have to say goodbye to a number of retiring members, with whom I have enjoyed working and whose contribution to SEPA has been one of our greatest assets. I wish to thank them for all their work."

SEPA Chairman Ken Collins added:

"Together, the three Regional Boards bring to SEPA an unmatched range and depth of knowledge, experience and skills. The input they are able to make to my Board's thinking is invaluable and I very much look forward to working with them."

The new Board members' terms of office commence on 26 June 2000. All appointments were made in accordance with guidance laid down by Scottish Ministers.

A list of Board members is attached, as is a copy of the text of the advertisement which appeared in the Scottish press in January 2000.

SEPA East Region protects the environment of the Borders, East, West and Mid Lothian, Fife, Angus, Perth & Kinross, Stirling, Falkirk and the Cities of Edinburgh and Dundee.