Call for Members to Fill Destination Leader Roles

Scottish Agritourism is recruiting amongst the membership to fill the voluntary role of Destination Leader for six regions throughout Scotland. New Destination Leaders will commence in their roles following a half day induction at the end of August and will work alongside their regional predecessors for a short time before current Destination Leaders step down at the Scottish Agritourism conference in November.

The Destination Leaders standing down and the regional vacancies to be filled are David Smythe, Perthshire; Claire Fleming, Angus; Sarah Parker, Lanarkshire; Fiona Scott, Highlands and Islands; Ailsa Currie, Ayrshire & Arran and Liz Phillips, Aberdeenshire. All of these Destination Leaders have served two years and in the case of Fiona and Ailsa, four years. The Scottish Agritourism Board of Directors wishes to acknowledge the vital role that Destination Leaders play in the development and sustainability of Scottish Agritourism both as an organisation and as a sector and thanks all Destination Leaders for their contribution.

Ten further Destination Leaders will carry on to serve the remaining areas of Scotland and they are Lindsay Robertson, Highlands and Islands (also a Scottish Agritourism Board Member, serving a third year); Niall Bowser, Stirling and Forth Valley; Patricia Picken, Dumfries and Galloway; Wendy MacDougall, Glasgow and Clyde; Lynne Jobes, Scottish Borders; Lara Hourie, Orkney; Brian Cameron, Moray Speyside; Balfour Stewart, Edinburgh & Lothians; Kat Gilmour, Fife; Fiona Maclennan, Argyll & the Isles. Due to the scale of the regions it is hoped that two Destination Leaders can be recruited for the mainland Highland and Island area and possibly an additional Destination Leader to support Argyll & the Isles.

Destination Leaders are expected to commit to a minimum of three voluntary hours per month in the role and work closely with the Scottish Agritourism team, Sector Lead, Board and wider membership to ensure that agritourism is developed in each area of rural Scotland, ensuring that the sector has a positive relationship with our urban neighbours as we work together to welcome everyone to the countryside. Destination Leaders build and support networks at a regional level, working closely with other agencies to identify opportunities for agritourism growth and the Go Rural brand.

Scottish Agritourism, as both a sector and membership body is progressing quickly, and the position of Destination Leader offers a significant opportunity to be a pivotal part of sector growth and development, particularly in the lead up to Scotland hosting the World Agritourism Conference in 2026. For the first time, the role is also being offered amongst Associate and Trade Members of Scottish Agritourism, widening the potential of the available experience, knowledge and perspectives in the Destination Leader group.

Destination Leaders can expect to develop their own confidence and communication skills throughout the course of their appointment, as well as have the opportunity to showcase their own businesses and represent the sector to additional audiences, including elected officials and press.

We are beginning the search for new Destination Leaders in the following areas of Scotland:

East Central
• Angus
• Perthshire

North Area
• Highlands & Islands (2)
• Aberdeenshire

West Central
• Lanarkshire
• Argyll & the Isles

South West
• Ayrshire and Arran

If you are interested in finding out more, please email Laura for further information and an online application form.