MELANIE Allen is standing down as chair of The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership board after ten years.
She is moving to a new role for Visit Isle of Man and will be succeeded by the current vice chair, farmer and business owner John Thomson. A new permanent chair will be elected at the organisation’s autumn AGM.
In her resignation statement, Ms Allen said: “During my tenure I feel privileged to have worked alongside remarkable individuals who are deeply committed to the GSA Biosphere and everything that it stands for.
“The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man share synergies that offer promising opportunities for future collaboration.”
John Thomson added: “It’s my great privilege to take the reins and steer the GSAB Partnership through the next few months. We have an exciting time ahead, awaiting the outcome of the joint bid for a Galloway National Park while further developing the many diverse projects which the Biosphere has underway.
“Melanie has been a passionate supporter of our UNESCO Biosphere from the moment she and her family arrived in southwest Scotland and we know her advocacy will continue in both personal and professional spheres.”
