New Convener and Deputy Convener for the Cairngorms National Park Authority

The election for Convener and Deputy Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority board took place on Thursday, 29 June 2023.

Sandy Bremner, who joined the Park Authority board in May 2023 and is also Chair of the River Dee Trust, was voted in as Convener, replacing Xander McDade. Eleanor Mackintosh, who has served on the Park Authority board since 2003 and previously held the role of Planning Convener, was voted in as Deputy Convener and replaces Janet Hunter.

On taking up the new position of Convener, Sandy Bremner said: “It’s a huge honour and privilege to be taking up this role at such a critical time for an area I love. I am looking forward to working with colleagues, staff and partner organisations who feel just as passionate about delivering our plans to tackle the growing challenges facing nature and people.

“I would also like to pay warm tribute to Xander and Janet for all their hard work and commitment in leading Britain’s biggest National Park and charting a clear way forward.”

On taking up the new position of Deputy Convener, Eleanor Mackintosh said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Deputy Convener and will work hard to support the new Convener to provide the leadership that will deliver on the National Park Partnership Plan.”

Xander McDade, Convener at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “On behalf of the Board and staff, Janet and I would like to offer Sandy and Eleanor our congratulations on their election as the new Convener and Deputy Convener. We are looking forward to working with them to deliver our ambitious National Park Partnership Plan. I have every confidence they will do an excellent job in leading the Authority and wish them both well in their new positions.”

Sandy Bremner will take up the position of Convener from August 2023, and Eleanor Mackintosh will take up the position of Deputy Convener from September 2023 – both positions on the Park Authority Board are for a three-year term.