The Cairngorms National Park Authority welcomed a new member last week with Paul Easto joining the authority’s board.
Paul Easto is one of the co-founders and directors of Wilderness Scotland, an adventure tourism business based in the Cairngorms National Park and operating throughout the Highlands and Islands.
Prior to starting Wilderness Scotland in 2002, Paul worked as a planning and development consultant in Edinburgh and then in South America with a youth development charity.
In addition to his background in planning and environmental matters, he has 12 years’ experience in developing rural tourism and managing a successful and growing international business.
He is a graduate of the Universities of Dundee and Edinburgh, a member of the Scottish Tourism Leadership Group and an Advisory Board member of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Duncan Bryden, convenor of the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA), said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul onto the Board, he brings with him a wealth of experience in rural and economic development as well as an intimate knowledge of the Park and I look forward to working with him.”
Following an early career in property and environmental consultancy, Paul co-founded Wilderness Scotland in 2001 after a year working and exploring in South America.
Over the years, Wilderness Scotland has won several major travel awards including being ranked No.1 in Europe by National Geographic in the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth and has established a reputation for innovative adventure in the Scottish wilderness.
Mr Easto said: “I believe that the Cairngorms National Park is a special place to live, work and visit and I am truly excited by the opportunity to join the Park Board.
“I hope that I can combine my personal enthusiasm for the Cairngorms along with my professional experience to make a positive contribution to the work of the National Park in the coming years.”
This appointment is for four years and runs until February 28, 2018.