Meet the Team

Doug Earle-Mitchell has had a wide ranging career working in forestry all over Scotland. He is currently Planning Manager in North Region based in Smithton, Inverness and is responsible for Land Management Planning and the Environment. He oversees long term planning of public forests and land managed by FLS providing strategic direction. Doug is an Adaptation advocate and has been closely involved in improving awareness of adaptation practice across FLS. He sits on the Programme Board of Highland Adapts.

Climate Hack: ‘In the last two years, I’ve made a point of learning more about the impact our food choices have on Climate Change. It has changed the way I eat completely. As well as helping to reduce the effects of Climate Change, a predominantly plant based diet is easy to do and just so enjoyable and healthy. Go on, give it a try, I dare you!’

John Burnside works with NHS Highland where he has worked for 39 years. John has responsibility for Waste and Resource Management, Energy Management and Environment and Sustainability.

NHS Highland has been involved pretty much from the start of Highland Adapts and is one of the main group of funders for the project. John is keen to see this work develop out into supporting Highland communities in adapting to the risks from climate change and to take advantage of the opportunities it offers the Highlands.

Climate hack: as a keen gardener at home John has a couple of water butts for filling small pond and watering the garden. John also composts waste food to make compost for the garden, and grows his own tomatoes, chilli’s, cucumbers, pears (for homemade Perry) and various herbs.

Kate Lackie works with The Highland Council as the Executive Chief of Performance and Governance. Highland Council has been heavily involved in Highland Adapts right from the outset, having worked closely with Sniffer to develop the business and strategic cases for the initiative and to bring the partners together to develop a shared vision. Kate currently chairs the Highland Adapts Programme Board, and is excited about how the work of the thematic teams will develop and grow over the course of the coming months and years to deliver transformational change for the communities of Highland.

Climate hack: we all need a break from our day to day lives, and Kate’s climate hack is to take holidays locally, rather than travelling abroad – the Highlands are beautiful!

Neil Ross has worked for Highlands and Islands Enterprise first on community land and assets and then on broader community development roles since 2000. Currently, he works in HIE’s Communities Infrastructure Team, with interests in place making, housing, natural capital and nature based solutions, net zero initiatives, localising food supply chains, Gaelic and of course climate adaptation.

He is passionate about the changes which global society need to make to ensure a truly sustainable future. He is excited about the opportunities that the collaborative and inclusive approach of Highland Adapts gives us all to make the changes which will ensure the future resilience and attractiveness of the Highlands.

Grant Mackay works with Changworks. Changeworks works with local authorities, organisations, schools and communities, and individuals to mitigate against energy and fuel poverty, minimise waste and reduce their impact on the environment through carbon reduction.

Grant is a senior manager with Changeworks and his main role is leading the Home Energy Scotland Highlands & Islands advice centre. Grant also represents Changeworks on the Highland Adapts Programme Board.

Climate hack: Embracing active travel and with 2 teenage daughters, Grant is the ‘turning the lights off’ monitor in his household!

Anna Beswick works for Sniffer. Anna leads a wide range of Sniffer projects focused on climate adaptation, risk and resilience, working with partners across Scotland, the UK and internationally. She manages the Scottish Government funded Adaptation Scotland programme and worked with the Highland Council and partners to build the business case and form the Highland Adapts initiative.

Climate hack: Anna is a big fan of ethical and sustainable fashion – buy a lot less, spend a bit more on ethically and sustainably sourced items and wear for longer

Ben Leyson has many years of experience working for NatureScot, currently as an Operations Manager covering Highland. He is interested in solution focussed approaches to adapting to climate change by working in partnership with local communities, the public sector and private interests.

NatureScot are the lead public body responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on all matters relating to nature. Their purpose is to promote, care for and improve our nature, to help people to enjoy nature responsibly, to enable greater understanding and awareness of nature and to promote its sustainable use.

NatureScot see Highland Adapts as an important way of ensuring that Highland has a resilient environment and that they can meet the climate challenges by deploying nature-based solutions. Through working with local communities and wider partners, Highland Adapts can lead the way in identifying and driving forward our shared green recovery priorities.

Climate hack: Cherish the wild places, especially those close to home.

Joan Lawrie is the Development Manager at the Northern Highland and Island Climate Hub. The Hub is funded by the Scottish Government and is one of the first established regional community climate action hubs in Scotland. The North Highlands & Islands Hub encourages networking, peer support and provides assistance to communities through design, development and delivery of climate action projects with a focus on where those projects can also provide solutions to community needs. The Hub is operated by Thurso Community Development Trust where Joan is also the Development Manager.

Highland Adapts and the North Highlands & Islands Climate Hub are working together on a number of projects and Joan and her staff contribute to a number of the other groups including the Engagement, Communications and Climate Advocates Group.

Climate hack: To be that bit more mindful in everything, giving deeper thought to consumer purchases, is it really needed? If we are all just that little bit more mindful of our actions, we can contribute to causing less harm and protecting our environment.

Helen Lavery works with Zero Waste Scotland who exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change.  We are really excited to be involved in Highland Adapts. The project presents a unique opportunity to work in collaboration with partners and wider stakeholders to address climate change issues. We will support Highland Adapts placed-based approach to addressing key climate related challenges and opportunities, these initiatives will improve resilience within the Highland economy, create more connected communities and preserve the regions important biodiversity.

Climate hack: ‘Reducing your own (or family) carbon footprint and decreasing your environmental impact at home doesn’t always mean big and expensive adjustments. Leave the grass to grow to make wild patches in the summer, plant native species, feed the birds or dig a small pond. Top tips for getting started can be found here: https://wasteless.zerowastescotland.org.uk/articles/easy-guide-to-composting-home.