Deer commission for Scotland recruits senior managers

28th September 2007

The Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) has appointed a new Director of Deer Management and a Director of Stakeholder Relations

Robbie Kernahan has taken up the post of Director of Deer Management while Alastair MacGugan has been appointed as Director of Stakeholder Relations.

Mr Kernahan joined the DCS as a Deer Officer in June 2002. Prior to his new appointment he was Head of Joint Working. Responsibilities in his new post include:

1. leading the development of Joint Working with other Government agencies;
2. leading the work of DCS in relation to wild deer and road safety;
3. responsibilities for DCS field operations;
4. leading DCS’ contribution to the achievement of Government targets to bring special features on Scotland’s nationally important nature sites into favourable condition.

Mr MacGugan initially joined DCS in October 2003 as a Deer Liaison Officer, later moving into the post of Collaborative Deer Officer. Prior to taking up the new post he was Head of Best Practice and Operations.

As Director of Stakeholder Relations his responsibilities include:

1. leading the implementation of all aspects of the DCS Communications Strategy;
2. managing proactively relations with key stakeholders in the public, private and voluntary sectors;
3. leading the development and review of Best Practice Guidance;
4. co-ordinating internal communication within DCS.

Commenting on the two new appointments Chief Executive Nick Halfhide said: “Robbie and Alastair bring a wealth of experience to their new roles. Together they will strengthen DCS’ ability to deliver key pieces of work over the coming months and years, in particular the Best Practice Guidance and the Government’s biodiversity targets on designated sites affected by wild deer. I look forward to working with them.”