New appointments to Scottish Land & Estates’ regional network

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is making two new appointments to boost its regional network.

Elizabeth Steuart Fothringham has been appointed as the new chair of the Central region committee, succeeding Antony Gifford, while Dr Gordon Drummond joins as the new North East chair, following on from David Fyffe, who has held the role for 15 years.

Elizabeth Steuart Fothringham has been a committee member with SLE for three years. Her background is in commercial law, having worked for nearly a decade in the City as a commercial litigator, and then at the Law Commission. Elizabeth also manages the family business, Fothringham Estate in Angus.

Antony Gifford will continue to support Elizabeth as a member of the Committee until the end of 2025.  

Elizabeth Steuart Fothringham said: “I am keen to build on the momentum created through Antony’s tenure and to continue his excellent work.  My aim is to ensure that members see a practical benefit in membership, as well as being assured that their interests are represented in the political sphere.  Member engagement is vital for the success of the organisation and I will be working with the Committee to support our members across central Scotland.”

Dr Gordon Drummond, the new North East committee chair, is a rural business leader and entrepreneur. Gordon is the founder and owner of Cairngorm Lodges and Bothies, part of Craigmyle Estates, based at Logie Coldstone near Aboyne. 

Gordon formerly worked at a senior level in the oil and gas subsea sector, innovating and developing new products and services. Since 2006, he has established Cairngorm Lodges and Cairngorm Bothies, the former offering premium self-catering, the latter completely off grid, powered entirely by renewable energy and with water supplied from a natural sub-surface reservoir.

Gordon said: “The North East of Scotland is known for its natural beauty and is becoming increasingly popular as a destination for adventure tourism. Many rural businesses are also at the forefront of renewable energy and sustainable tourism.  I am keenly aware of the value of rural Scotland and my mission is to champion the positive contribution of estates and farms, from tourism to forestry to agriculture and renewables.”

Dee Ward, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “I am delighted to welcome Elizabeth and Gordon both of whom offer considerable experience and skills that will be of benefit to rural businesses and land managers. I would like to thank Antony Gifford and David Fyffe for their exceptional contributions and commitment to our work over the past three and fifteen years respectively.”

Scottish Land & Estates supports rural businesses large and small that provide economic, social and environmental benefit to the countryside.