Ian, a Consultant in Renewables and Utilities at the firm, was appointed President of the Scottish Agricultural Valuers Association (SAAVA) at its annual meeting in Edinburgh on 13 March.

SAAVA was founded in 1925 to serve the interests of agricultural arbitrators and provide them with advice, training and the opportunity for discussion of practical and legal problems and to promote uniformity of practice in arbitration and valuation work.

SAAVA comprises practical valuers, surveyors, solicitors, accountants and others who advise and act on matters affecting rural and agricultural businesses and property throughout Scotland.

It plays an increasing role in advising and consulting with the Scottish Government on issues affecting rural land management, its members acting for or advising both government and private interests, including landlords and tenants. This helps ensure laws are designed in a practical way.

Ian has an agricultural background on a family farm in Kincardineshire. After taking an HND and Farm Business and Management course at Aberdeen College of Agriculture, he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor by correspondence course in 1979.

He has experience in institutional estate management and specialises in compulsory purchase, energy and telecommunications.