Professor Andrew Millar named new chief scientific adviser for environment, natural resources and agriculture

Professor Andrew Millar has been named as the Scottish Government's new chief scientific adviser for environment, natural resources and agriculture.

Millar, who is Director of Research for Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, will provide ministers with scientific advice on issues such as the environment, agriculture and the wider rural economy.

He will work alongside chief scientific adviser for Scotland Professor Sheila Rowan and chief scientist (health) Professor Crossman.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham, said: “If the Scottish Government is to effectively address current and future challenges facing our environment then sound scientific advice is integral.

“I'm looking forward to working with Professor Millar to tackle some of Scotland's most crucial environmental, agricultural and rural issues, and the positive impact scientific developments could have on these.”

Millar said: "Scottish science has an enviable track record and our natural resources are among the country's most critical assets. I am happy to contribute to Scottish policy at a time when change and opportunity in this area are coming from social and political development, as well as from new scientific understanding, technologies and the changing environment."

Millar succeeds Professor Louise Heathwaite, who held the Scottish Government position until 2017.