The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands today announced the appointments of Emma Buckby, Jilly Duncan Grant and Carrie Ruxton as Members of the Quality Meat Scotland Board. 

Members 

Emma Buckby is based on a sheep and beef farm in the Scottish Borders and is also the Head of the UK Market for a leading livestock Agtech. She has research interests in farmer decision-making and profitability in livestock farming and completed an MBA specialising in farm businesses. Emma is also a governor for the University of the Creative Arts with an interest in marketing, branding, communications, as well as Trans-national Education and knowledge exchange. She has spent several years working in marketing and business development. 

Jilly Duncan Grant is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Herd Advance, a company which was set up to support the growth and sustainability of the livestock industry. She, along with her husband and family, farms a 1500-acre mixed beef and arable business in Aberdeenshire. Jilly holds a Masters in Agri-business Management from SAC Craibstone Aberdeen and has held roles within the Oil and Gas and Offshore Wind sectors, SRUC and global meat processor Grampian Country Food Group. Jilly is also an alumnus of the Scottish Rural Leaders Programme and SAOS / NFU mutual Growing Tomorrows Leaders Programmes as well as an award winner of the RHASS Royal Highland Show Innovation Award. 

Carrie Ruxton, PhD, comes from a Perthshire farming background and is a registered dietitian and freelance communications consultant with nearly 30 years in nutrition and health. Carrie has extensive media and communications experience, regularly featuring in national and local media for her expertise in nutrition. As one of the founding board members of Food Standards Scotland, Carrie has an appreciation of the importance of ensuring meat quality, authenticity and safety, and the work that goes into delivering this for the Scottish consumer. 

Appointment 

These appointments will be for four years and will run from 15 April 2023 to 14 April 2027. 

These appointments are regulated by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. 

Remuneration 

These appointments are part-time and attract a remuneration of £3,747.20 for a time commitment of 20 days per year. 

Other ministerial appointments 

Emma Buckby, Jilly Duncan Grant and Carrie Ruxton do not hold any other public appointments. 

Political activity  

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.  However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last five years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public.    

Emma Buckby, Jilly Duncan Grant and Carrie Ruxton have had no political activity within the last five years.  

Background 

Quality Meat Scotland's (QMS) mission is to deliver a range of activities to support the development of a sustainable, professional, profitable and resilient Scottish red meat industry. QMS promotes and protects the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands by communicating to consumers what sets these brands apart.  

QMS works collaboratively across the whole supply chain including farmers, processors, auction marts, livestock hauliers, feed merchants, food service providers, butchers, retailers, research institutes and learning providers to build efficiency, brand integrity and consumer confidence. 

Kate Rowell, Chair of Quality Meat Scotland, said: "The QMS team is pleased to welcome Jilly Duncan Grant, Emma Buckby and Carrie Ruxton to the QMS Board. 

"All three bring a wealth of experience gained from working across both food and agricultural sectors – providing a diverse skillset that will support the future development of the red meat sector in Scotland."