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Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh
26/11/2007
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead today announced the appointment of a new Chair to the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Mr Lochhead said:
"I am delighted that Sir George Mathewson has agreed to become the Chair of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Sir George chaired the successful fund-raising committee for the Gateway project and has thus already demonstrated his interest in this world-renowned organisation. The Garden brings international visitors to Scotland and shares its expertise with many other countries of the world.
"I am confident that Sir George's expertise and extensive business experience will ensure that he leads the RBGE to an even greater contribution to enable the world of plants to be resilient in the face of the environmental challenges which lie ahead."
Sir George Mathewson joined The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) in 1987 serving as Chief Executive from 1992. In 2001 he was appointed Chairman of the Group, retiring from the Chairmanship in April 2006 but continuing as an Advisor. Prior to that, Sir George spent six years as the Chief Executive of the Scottish Development Agency.
He is currently the Chair of the Campaign Board of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Chairs the Council of Economic Advisers which has been created to advise the First Minister on the best way to improve Scotland's sustainable economic growth rate. This appointment does not attract remuneration. He has wide experience in board leadership, risk management and strategic development.
Sir George holds no other Ministerial public appointments.
This appointment will be for four years and will run from November 26, 2007 to November 25, 2011.
This post is part-time and attracts no remuneration. The total time commitment is approximately 30 days per annum and includes preparation for and attendance at up to six Board meetings.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a Non-Departmental Public Body established under the National Heritage (Scotland) Act 1985 and is mainly funded by the Scottish Government. Its mission is "to explore and explain the world of plants" and its primary functions are: science, horticulture, education and information and visitor services.
This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.
All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Sir George has declared no political activity within the last 5 years.