The depute leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council is taking up a role with South of Scotland Enterprise.
Rob Davidson has joined the organisation’s new natural capital team, which aims to ensure the area’s natural assets are best used to maximise the economic success and wellbeing of the region.
Mr Davidson, who has been an SNP councillor for Abbey ward since 2007, has stood down from his role as chairman of the council’s economy and resources committee and will not stand in May’s council elections.
He said: “Representing Abbey ward for the past 15 years has been both a privilege and a pleasure. I have been involved with some fantastic projects over that time, both locally to the ward and further afield in the region that has become home. I will always be grateful for the support of friends and colleagues, particularly past and present members of my own political group. I have also been lucky in having two colleagues in Abbey Ward, Ian Blake and Davie Stitt, with whom it has been a pleasure to work with over the years.
“There is a little over two months left until the elections in May, and I remain a councillor until then, so there will be plenty to do before I leave the council.”
Natural capital considers the natural environment as an asset providing a wide range of services, from healthy food and renewable energy to flood protection and forestry resources.
The new team will be headed by Jayne Ashley, who has been a sustainability practitioner for more than 30 years.
She said: “Natural capital is a critical infrastructure for the south of Scotland’s future development.
“We need to understand how it works, how to value it and help it realise all the opportunities it offers across the region.
“We need to harness and enhance our region’s wealth of natural capital with the creativity and innovation of our businesses and communities in order to deliver nature-based solutions.
“This is such an exciting and critical area and I cannot wait to work with my new and existing colleagues and partners to make this happen.”
South of Scotland Enterprise chairman, Professor Russel Griggs, added: “The south of Scotland has made progress in managing our resources in a more sustainable way, but we must go further.
“Working with partners and SOSE colleagues, that is what our new natural capital team will aim to do and support the South deliver a Just Transition to Net Zero.”
