John Muir Trust CEO 'on leave' amid independent investigation
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The chief executive of the John Muir Trust, owners of Quinag Estate in Assynt, has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
The wildland conservation charity has confirmed that CEO David Balharry is currently on leave while the independent review is carried out.
John Muir Trust (JMT) representatives declined to provide any further details of the ongoing situation citing issues of privacy.
A spokesperson for the JMT said: "We can confirm that our chief executive, David Balharry is on leave while an independent investigation is under way.
"The John Muir Trust board must ensure that while this independent investigation is under way all parties concerned are treated with fairness, equity and respect for their privacy. Therefore the Trust is not in a position to disclose any further details at this time."
Mr Balharry was appointed as chief executive of the charity in October 2019.
When asked if the investigation was connected to the ongoing row over an out-of-season deer cull carried out in March, a JMT spokesperson added: "No. The John Muir Trust is continuing to implement its strategy and policies on land and deer management, political advocacy, community partnerships, the delivery of the John Muir Award and a range of other activities to protect wild places."
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