Profile of a Scotttish conservationist

04 May 1998

Profile of a Scotttish conservationist

The Scotsman profiles Quentin McLaren, who heads up Solway Heritage, a conservation group for the Dumfries and Galloway region.

The former planner believes in a “co-ordinated approach to countryside management”. He says a more “holistic” look at farm management has never been more critical.

According to the newspaper, he sees a direct link between his own job as a conservationist and the reshaping the countryside. This includes encouraging public access.

Mr McLaren is not “over-optimistic” about the farming industry continuing to be based on subsidies, but he believes that support should be clearly linked to environmental and community benefit.