THE Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Scotland and former Chief Executive of the Royal Yachting Association, James Stuart, has been elected to become the new Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Mr Stuart brings a wealth of experience in sport, recreation and tourism to the role at the National Park.

He was elected as Convener by the Board at its meeting on Monday, December 12 and will take up his new position on 1st March 2017.

Mr Stuart, who served as an Officer in the Scottish Infantry for eight years, is also a member of the National Tourism Strategy (Tourism Scotland 2020) Strategic Leadership Group.

He was first appointed to the National Park Board in February 2015 and has had an interest in the Park for many years.

He said: "I am delighted to have been elected as the new Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

"The National Park has come a long way in recent years with numerous successes and gaining national recognition.

"We are also about to deliver some key projects that will secure long-term, environmental, community and economic benefits.

"These projects will characterise much of our work over the next few years and are crucial to the continued progress and impact of the Park.

"However, they are not the only activity of the Park Authority.

"As Convener I aim to lead the organisation in a way that is mindful of these big projects whilst also looking to the future.

"To help realise the brightest of our possible futures we will seek to draw on the sum of all our talents and to make the most of our links to communities and partner organisations.

"In doing so we will work together to shape the long-term future of the National Park."

The current Convener, Linda McKay, is stepping down in February 2017 after serving the maximum two terms.

She said: "I would like to congratulate James on his election as Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and look forward to working with him over the next couple of months to ensure a smooth transition."

The Convener of National Park Board is responsible to the Scottish Ministers and must aim to ensure the Board’s policies and actions support the wider strategic priorities of the Scottish Ministers.

Their role is to lead the Board on formulating their strategy, promoting efficient and effective use of National Park staff and other resources, representing the views of the Board to the general public and making sure that when making decisions the Board follows the guidance of the Scottish Ministers.