Scottish Land & Estates has appointed Katy Dickson as its new head of policy.

Ms Dickson takes on the role as the land business sector faces a wide range of challenges in agriculture, rural business, land management, environment and conservation.

Joining Scottish Land & Estates as a policy officer in 2014, Katy was later promoted to a senior policy officer role in 2016. As head of policy, Katy will manage organisational policy activity and provision of advice and information to members.

As well as representing Scottish Land & Estates on a range of stakeholder groups, Katy also sits on the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group board.

Katy, from East Lothian, studied geography at St Andrews University before completing a Masters in land economy at Aberdeen University. Prior to joining SLE, Katy worked as a land agent in Perth where she qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 2011.

Katy said: “The new role provides me with the chance to have a greater influence in developing policy alongside government and stakeholders that delivers for rural business and the countryside.

“There is no shortage of challenges – and opportunities – in front of Scotland’s land-based businesses and during my time at Scottish Land & Estates I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the members and their businesses, providing advice to them and representing their views.”

Sarah-Jane Laing, executive director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Katy has been a hugely important and popular member of the Scottish Land & Estates team since joining us four years ago and her promotion is recognition of her knowledge, enthusiasm and the experience she demonstrates in representing our members on a daily basis.”