Janet Hunter has become the new Deputy Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board, following the departure of Carolyn Caddick, who stepped down at the end of September. Janet is a Ministerial appointment and has been on the Park Authority Board since the autumn of 2015. She chairs the Cairngorms Tourism Partnership.

A resident of Strathardle in Perthshire, Janet has extensive knowledge of the unique nature of the Cairngorms National Park as a skier and mountaineer. She has a degree in Geography, an MSc in rural resources planning, and a background in economic development. She is involved in encouraging entrepreneurial growth within small rural communities, focusing on sustainability and working towards Net Zero.

Janet was unopposed and will take on the role of Deputy Convener for one year, following agreed changes to the CNPA’s Standing Orders to allow this term of office to run for one year as opposed to three, due to expected significant changes to Board personnel in the coming months.

She said: “I am honoured to be taking up the role of Deputy Convener. Having been on the Board for seven years, I look forward to being able to help the Park Authority continue to navigate the challenges ahead, particularly as we get to work on delivering the new National Park Partnership Plan.”

Xander McDade, Cairngorms National Park Authority Board Convener added: “I am delighted to be working with Janet. She brings a wealth of experience from the private and public sector to her new role as Deputy Convener and this will be a real asset in the coming year.”