The Crofting Commission has appointed Gary Campbell from Taynuilt as its new chief executive.
Mr Campbell is currently a member of the senior management team at the University of the Highlands and Islands, most recently holding the post of director of economic development and commercial services.
Mr Campbell is based in Inverness but grew up in Taynuilt, where he was brought up on the family croft, which has been the family home “for as far back as records are available”, the commission says.
Gary said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chief executive of the Crofting Commission. I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing crofting and am passionate about supporting crofters and their communities to thrive.
“I look forward to working with the commission’s board, staff and stakeholders to deliver on the commission’s strategic plan and to help shape the future of crofting in Scotland.”
Chairman of the Crofting Commission, Malcolm Mathieson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary as the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and is passionate about supporting crofting and rural communities.
“I am confident that Gary will be a valuable asset to the commission and that he will lead the organisation effectively in the years to come.”
Minister for energy and the environment, Gillian Martin added: “I would like to thank Bill Barron for his service as CEO, under his tenure the Crofting Commission successfully navigated a number of challenges.
“The commission is now focused on improving its function as an effective regulator and to helping to deliver Scottish Government priorities for crofting, not least to increase the active use of crofts and common grazings.”
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) also welcomed the announcement.
Donna Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Crofting Federation, said: “On behalf of the SCF, I’d like to congratulate Gary on his appointment and very much look forward to an early meeting with him when he takes up his post.
“Gary is joining the commission at a crucial time for crofting with work on the Crofting Bill continuing and still much more work needed in using the regulatory powers of the commission to ensure that as many crofts as possible are occupied, maintained and put to purposeful use.
“The SCF will be keen to understand how Gary will approach these issues and continue to reduce the length of time regulatory cases are taking to progress.”
Mr Campbell will take up his new role on January 3, 2024.