Agricultural college gives honorary fellowship to head of RSPB Scotland

Published on Friday 10 July 2009 19:00

THE director of RSPB Scotland has been awarded an honorary fellowship at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) in recognition of his work promoting farming and conservation.

Stuart Housden, who has been with the organisation since 1977 and has led it since 1994, was presented with the accolade at a ceremony at Glasgow University yesterday as reward for his efforts in forging understanding between the RSPB and the farming community.

Before the graduation ceremony, the college's chairman, Lord Jamie Lindsay said "I am delighted to recognise Stuart Housden's major contribution to promoting the joint interests of conservation and farming.

"He has shown a commitment to working with SAC and many farming organisations and his willingness to identify common causes is widely respected".

He added: Stuart believes in sound science and a practical approach to solving problems. He has shown a commitment to the future of farming in Scotland, including the hills. He has been publicly critical of limited EU funding for agri-environment schemes in the UK and especially Scotland".

Already awarded an OBE for services to encouraging biodiversity, Mr Housden leads an organisation that is among Scotland's largest land managers, helping to run about 65,000 hectares with more than 200 farmers and crofters.

Commenting on his fellowship, Mr Housden said: "I am delighted to be recognised by SAC.

"For many years it has been my aim to work with the farming industry to devise practical policies and workable solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced by land managers.

He continued: "Now more than ever, we need a strong sense of shared purpose if the threats to biodiversity and the challenge of a changing climate are to be overcome, so that Scotland continues to have a rich countryside, where wildlife thrives, and farming communities can prosper".

Past winners of Scottish Agricultural College fellowships include Sir Don Curry and the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alex Fergusson, who, as a former student of the college and farmer, was presented the honour last year for his contribution to rural affairs.

Stuart Housden began work at the RSPB in 1977 as a zoology graduate working with protected species.

He has been involved in conservation planning activities ever since, and lobbied for an EU scheme to reward landowners and managers for efforts they made in conservation as well as linking farming schemes funded with public money to the preservation of habitats.

As well as leading the Scottish arm of the RSPB, Mr Housden is a member of the its UK board.