Scientific Advisory Committee
Made up of external specialists, the Committee introduces a new element of advice and expertise to NatureScot.
The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC):
- advises our Board and staff on scientific and technical matters
- reviews the quality of our research
- advises on the scientific basis for the notification of any Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Scotland
- contributes specialist knowledge and wider advice via working groups and individually
Some of the Committee’s tasks are to:
- contribute to current NatureScot research and elements of the corporate plan
- advise on novel and contentious projects proposed by e.g Scottish Government the Joint Nature Conservation Committee Support Unit (on request)
- work with the Director of People and Nature to report to our Board and senior staff the findings of NatureScot research
- Scientific Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
- Scientific Advisory Committee Expert Panel Terms of Reference
- Register of Interests - Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Members - Expert Panel - 2018-2019
SAC Meeting Dates for 2024
Annual Reports
Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Annual Report 2023-24
SAC meetings
The Committee meets at least twice a year – more often if required by the Chair and our Board. Members of the public may attend open session meetings of the SAC as observers.
The Committee often creates subgroups to advise on specialist areas such as marine designations and wind farm developments.
- 1 October 2024 - 68th meeting
- 18 March 2024 - 67th Meeting
- 18 September 2023 - 66th meeting
- 27 March 2023- 65th Meeting
- 15 November 2022 - 64th meeting
- 3 March 2022 - 63rd Meeting
View our meetings & reports in the information hub
If you would like information on meetings prior to 2022, please contact us as below.
SAC members
The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) has up to seven members, plus one of our Board members as Chair. Professor Peter Higgins is the current Chair.
All of the SAC members come from outside NatureScot. They bring a mix of expertise in a wide range of disciplines.
- Peter Higgins - Chair
- Dan Haydon
- Ruth Mitchell
- Neil Metcalfe
- Marian Scott
- Jane Reid
- Jaboury Ghazoul (observer)
- Kathy Dale
The SAC Expert panel provides further scientific support to NatureScot and the SAC through advising on specific topic specialisms, and contributing to the peer review of research reports.
SAC member appointments
When positions on the Committee are available, we will advertise them on our website.
Reports
- NatureScot Scientific Advisory Committee Sub-Group on Avian Influenza Report on the H5N1 outbreak in wild birds 2020-2023 (2023)
- Review of Capercaillie Conservation and Management - Report to the Scientific Advisory Committee (2021)
- Report to the Scientific Advisory Committee by the Sub-group reviewing on land monitoring and surveillance by NatureScot (2021)
- Response to NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Review of the NatureScot Licence for ‘Strathbraan: removal of ravens’ (2018)
Contact
Paul Robertson
Scientific Advisory Committee Coordinator
NatureScot
Great Glen House
Leachkin Road
Inverness
IV3 8NW
Telephone: 01463 725 256
Email: [email protected]