New CEO named for NatureScot

NatureScot has announced the appointment of Nick Halfhide as its new permanent Chief Executive.

The appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process and was approved by Scottish Ministers.

Nick brings over 30 years of experience in environmental stewardship to this role. As well as serving as interim chief executive since Jan 25, he previously served as NatureScot’s Director of Nature & Climate Change, as well as other roles as CEO at South of Scotland Enterprise and the Deer Commission.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said:

“We are committed to restoring Scotland’s natural environment as a key way that we can help address the twin challenges of nature loss and climate change. I look forward to continuing to work with Nick to preserve our landscapes and wildlife for future generations to enjoy.”

NatureScot Chair, Colin Galbraith, said:

“Nick brings a wealth of experience of working in government and government agencies over recent years and has long experience of working with a range of communities and stakeholder groups across Scotland. He brings a detailed knowledge of NatureScot and of Scotland’s habitats, species and of the issues that affect them. I am really looking forward to working with Nick in the years ahead over what will be a critical time for nature and for people throughout the country.”

Nick Halfhide added:

“I am honoured to step into the role of CEO at NatureScot. My goal is to improve nature in Scotland for Scotland’s people, the businesses that rely on nature, and for nature itself. I look forward to working with the talented team at NatureScot, and the many communities, businesses, and organisations around Scotland who care so deeply about our nature.”

Nick became interim chief executive when NatureScot’s previous CEO, Francesca Osowksa, took up a new role as chief executive at the Scottish Funding Council in January 2025, after serving as NatureScot CEO since October 2017.

Nick has held various leadership roles in NatureScot over the years, most recently as Director of Nature and Climate Change and before that, as Director of Sustainable Growth, and Director of Operations and Head of Operations. In 2020, he was seconded to the role of Interim CEO at South of Scotland Enterprise where he was successful in setting up a new public body in the face of a global pandemic and economic downturn. This was not his first CEO experience, having held the position of permanent CEO of the Deer Commission for four years, before the Commission was merged with Scottish Natural Heritage in 2010. Nick has also held senior roles in the Cairngorms National Park Authority.