Scottish Wildlife Trust chief named top ‘third-sector’ director by IoD

The Perthshire-born chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust has been named as Scotland’s top ‘third-sector’ director.

Simon Milne’s award from the Institute of Directors marks exceptional performance in the not-for-profit or charity sphere.

Mr Milne started with SWT as a volunteer at Loch of the Lowes Reserve. He has led the trust since 2004.

He previously worked for the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens and Arboretum in Hampshire, one of Europe’s premier botanical collections, where he had responsibility for strategic planning, budget management and business development.

Prior to that role, Mr Milne was a lieutenant colonel in the Royal Marines.

He served latterly in the Ministry of Defence at Whitehall and RM Condor, Arbroath.

Born and brought up in Perthshire, he is a graduate of St Andrews University and the Royal Navy Staff College.

Mr Milne said: “The secret of success is to enjoy your profession and to work with highly committed and able people, such as my colleagues and our terrific volunteers.”