National Trust for Scotland appoints Ullapool–based adventurer Cal Major as new ambassador
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Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has appointed Ullapool-based Dr Cal Major, vet, adventurer and advocate for the oceans and nature, to a new volunteer role of ‘ambassador’.
Cal spends much of her time on and in the sea around Scotland and is based in Ullapool, often working with local environmental activism group, Ullapool Sea Savers.
She speaks passionately about the positive impact that the sea has on her own mental health, as well as strongly promoting the need for improved protections for the seas and marine environments.
The role of ambassador will help the National Trust for Scotland raise awareness and support for its conservation work, especially the coastlines, islands and marine environments in its care. These stretch from Rockcliffe in Dumfries and Galloway to Unst in Shetland, and includes more than 400 islands and islets such as Iona, Staffa, Mingulay, Pabbay and Berneray, Canna and important marine environments, including the dual World Heritage Site, St Kilda.
Over recent months, the charity has joined other environmental organisations to raise concerns over the Berwick Bank offshore windfarm, set up a citizen science project to encourage the public to send images of seabirds with food to contribute to the understanding of feeding patterns, and implementing biosecurity processes on its islands to help keep them safe from invasive species and disease.
Chief executive Philip Long, OBE said: “Scotland’s seas and marine life are facing major challenges as the impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises are becoming ever more evident and it is so important that we speak up for our heritage that doesn’t have a voice. Cal’s love of Scotland’s seas and our nation’s environment comes through in all she does. In her new role, we know she will speak passionately about Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage and help our charity to gain even greater support for our work to protect and share it all with everyone.”
Dr Cal Major said: “I'm a proud supporter of the National Trust for Scotland and I am beyond delighted to have been asked to be an ambassador for them and the work they do.
“It feels like such a privilege to be part of a community of people who care just as much as I do about Scotland's wildlife and heritage. Developing personal connections to nature through first–hand experiences of its powerful impact are a core part of my work in ocean conservation.
“I hope that through my love of the sea, I can help the National Trust for Scotland to do even more to protect these special places and to inspire more people to support the work they do, for the love of Scotland.”
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit www.nts.org.uk
