Stuart Housden announced as new Scottish Seabird Centre chairman

Stuart Housden, who was awarded an OBE in 2005, has been appointed chairman of the North Berwick-based charity’s board of trustees.

A former RSPB Scotland director and zoology graduate, he brings a wealth of charity experience and networks to the role, alongside a life-long knowledge and passion for nature conservation.

The Edinburgh resident and father of three is a member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, where he is an advocate of investment in Scotland’s natural assets.

Stuart Housden. Image Dr. Dan Hufton

Mr Housden, a keen birdwatcher, said: “I am honoured to have been selected to chair the Scottish Seabird Centre, and look forward to meeting the many volunteers and supporters who have achieved so much in the charity’s first 20 years.

“Scotland’s marine environment, and the incredible numbers of seabirds that travel the oceans to either nest or winter around our coasts each year, are of truly international significance.

“We take them for granted at our peril, and they serve as a barometer of the health of our coasts and seas. Sadly, a number are in rapid decline.

“Our marine environment is under considerable pressure, from the effects of climate change and how we use the seas, with fishing, offshore developments and marine litter among the more obvious issues.

“The Scottish Seabird Centre will, I hope, play a vital part in a future partnership working to find and encourage the recovery of Scotland’s marine wildlife resources, by informing more people about the positive actions they can take, so providing even greater benefits for people across Scotland.

“We want these great marine wildlife spectacles to continue to inspire future generations and enthral visitors from far and wide.”

Stuart Housden. Image Dr. Dan Hufton

And he added: “The charity is lucky to have such a dedicated and professional staff team, who are well placed to build on past successes.

“I would like to thank [former chairman] David Windmill for his wisdom and hard work these past eight years, he hands on the reins with the charity in sound health.”

Susan Davies, CEO of the Scottish Seabird Centre, added: “We are delighted that Stuart has been selected as our new chair.

“His appointment is particularly welcome as we enter the United Nations Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration, and step up our own work to support these global commitments to reverse the damage to our marine environment and the decline in many of our iconic seabirds.

“Although this continues to be a challenging time for our charity, with the doors to our visitor centre once again closed under the latest Covid-19 restrictions, we are optimistic about the future.

“In Stuart we have someone who is ideally placed to quickly pick up the reins from our retiring chair David Windmill, who expertly steered the charity for eight years, not least through these most turbulent times.”