Sturla’s key role in south-east
Clare Sturla has been appointed regional support officer for south-east Scotland and the Borders as part of restructuring programme by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) designed to allow the organisation to develop a tailored framework for local businesses.
Moving from the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), where she was agri and rural affairs manager , Sturla also has experience of working for MPS at Westminster as well as time employed in public affairs in Brussels and in policy events and conferencing in Edinburgh.
Trevor Jackson, southeast regional chairman,
said that sturla would work closely with SLE headquarters’ staff based at Musselburgh as well as with members from across the region to develop a framework tailored to local needs.
Explaining that a new regional structure was being implemented by SLE, he said there would be greater autonomy for each region to decide priorities for the membership in their area.
“Clare will provide support to members to build on our existing work and will ensure we have the confidence to collectively develop a greater voice at a time when there is no shortage of policy challenges for rural businesses, and to demonstrate the strong foundations the members provide to the rural economy,” he said.
Sturla commented: “Rural and land-based businesses contribute a huge amount to the economy of the Scottish Borders and whilst their importance is understood locally, the new workplan for the region will allow us to ensure greater visibility and engagement as well as internal contact between members. It will be a busy role but one I’m greatly looking forward to.”