Conservator
Keith Wishart, Conservator, oversees all work within Central Scotland Conservancy. Particular responsibilities include delivering the Scottish Forestry Strategy across the central belt. This is achieved through the grants system, by developing partnership projects and through strengthening relations with stakeholders.
Email: keith.wishart@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
The Operations Team
Tom Hobbs, Operations Manager, manages the grants
programme for the conservancy and works closely with the Woodland Officer team, in order to achieve consistency across the wide range of grants and licences we promote and administer.
Email: tom.hobbs@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 550 (direct)
Liz Poulsom, Woodland Officer: City of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian Councils
Email: liz.poulsom@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01738 450 799 (direct)
Sasha Laing, Woodland Officer: City of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire and North Lanarkshire Councils
Email: sasha.laing@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 543
David Galloway, Woodland Officer: South Lanarkshire Council
Email: david.galloway@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 534 (direct)
Angus Clarke, Woodland Officer: Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire Councils
Email: angus.clarke@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 548 (direct)
TBC, Woodland Officer: West Lothian, Fife (South and West), Falkirk Councils
Email: centralscotland.cons@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 530
The Development Team
Jim Smith, Development Officer West and Maida Ballarini, Development Officer East are responsible for the implementation of national forestry policy in central Scotland. Through developing and promoting the Woods In and Around Towns initiative and partnership working, they aim to help secure the benefits of integrated land use and to increase public awareness of
woodland.
Email: jim.smith@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 542
Email: maida.ballarini@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 551 (direct)
Karen Boyd, Education Officer,
leads on the development and co-ordination of delivery of outdoor learning in Central Scotland, including the Forest Education Initiatives. Karen also helps the delivery of the Early Years Framework (within a Curriculum for Excellence) through the development
of Forest Kindergarten activities in Central Scotland.
Email: karen.boyd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 553 (direct)
Hugh McNish, Health Adviser, leads on the delivery of the Forestry Commission Scotland Health Programme Plan across central Scotland. The work focuses on developing pilot and
best practice projects with partners and providing support and advice to those interested in delivering health projects.
Email: hugh.mcnish@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 555 (direct)
Kirsty Cathrine, Branching Out Programme Manager, is responsible for developing and leading the 'Branching Out' project in Glasgow. This pilot project explores new ways of coping with enduring mental health issues through conservation and natural art activities in woodlands.
Email: kirsty.cathrine@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 557 (direct)
Romena Huq, Engagement Officer, is responsible for developing the central Scotland Engagement Strategy for engageing with minority groups. The strategy will promote the cultural mainstreaming of diversity and equality in Central Scotland through awareness raising, programme delivery, communication and representation.
Email: romena.huq@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel: 01698 368 535 (direct)
The Admin Team
Pictured below from left to right: Linda McKay (Office Manager) Allan Craig, Colette McAleer, Mary McGowan and Francesca Pell are the administration team providing day to day support to Conservancy staff.






