Rewilding charity, SCOTLAND: The Big Picture (SBP), welcomes a new CEO this week, as Lisa Chilton joins to head up the 20-strong team working to make rewilding happen across Scotland, in response to the growing climate and biodiversity crises. 

With 30 years’ hands-on and leadership experience in ecology, conservation, stakeholder engagement and organisational development, Lisa’s career spans senior roles in charities, government advisory bodies and academia. She brings expertise in marine conservation, environmental policy, public engagement and strategic fundraising. 

‘I’m thrilled to be taking on this role at SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, an organisation I’ve long admired for its direct approach to nature recovery and high impact storytelling,’ she explains. ‘Rewilding is one of the most important developments in the environmental sector in recent decades, and I’m particularly inspired by SBP’s collaborative approach to making rewilding happen across Scotland, through partnerships such as the Northwoods Rewilding Network and Loch Abar Mòr.’

As Chief Executive at the National Biodiversity Network Trust, Lisa spent the last four years immersed in the world of biodiversity information and technology, making wildlife data more accessible to support nature’s recovery. ‘It’s been a fascinating journey, and one I intend to continue at SBP, as I champion the value of shared data and citizen science within the rewilding community. It’s a real honour to have been chosen to lead this charity at such a critical time for nature and the climate, and I can’t wait to get started.’

‘We’re delighted to welcome Lisa to SCOTLAND: The Big Picture,’ adds Hayley Gray, SBP’s Head of Operations. ‘With her experience of leading multi-sector stakeholder processes, shaping national strategies and advocating for nature at both grassroots and governmental levels, she brings an invaluable blend of scientific rigour and strategic vision. Her passion for biodiversity and thoughtful, collaborative approach make her the ideal candidate to lead SBP through its next phase of impact and influence, and we’re excited to have her on board.’

Lisa takes up the baton from the charity’s founding Executive Director, Peter Cairns, who stepped down from his leadership role to focus on some of SBP’s established and developing rewilding partnerships. 

‘Pete’s vision, passion and drive were central to the creation of SBP, and he has played a pivotal role in elevating rewilding from a fringe concept to a widely embraced movement across Scotland and beyond,’ continues Hayley. ‘We’re delighted that Pete continues to work with us as an advisor and consultant, with a specific focus on further growth and development of Loch Abar Mòr, our landscape-scale nature restoration partnership in the West Highlands.’