The Board of Clan Donald Lands Trust (CDLT) announced today that Alex Stoddart has been appointed Chief Executive Officer. Mr Stoddart is an experienced leader who combines extensive senior level experience in land and business management with a background in community representation.

As CEO, Mr Stoddart will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Trust’s estate and will chair the Management Committee, along with Iain J Farquharson, Finance Director, and Chris Cartwright, Estate Manager. The 20,000-acre estate in South Skye includes Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles, one of Skye’s leading visitor attractions.

Born and raised on the Isle of Skye, Mr Stoddart comes from the position of Managing Director for the Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS), the not-for-profit representative body for field sports in Scotland. He previously worked overseas in a number of senior roles in real estate and investment management. His personal interests include sustainability, community engagement and Hebridean cultural heritage.

Alex Stoddart commented: “As a son of Skye and passionate about the island, its people and our culture, I am delighted to be coming home during this exciting time for Highlands and Islands regeneration. Having worked away for many years, I am now able to bring back my senior management skills and experience to benefit the Clan Donald Lands Trust and our local communities.” He added: “As well as being a key employer and environmental custodian, ‘the Clan’, as it was known in my youth, plays a vital role in preserving and promoting our social history and culture. I look forward to being an active part of the Skye community once again, building on old friendships and forging new partnerships.”

Speaking on behalf of CDLT’s board of Trustees, Jamie Macdonald, Chair of the Executive Committee of CDLT, commented: “In a field of very strong candidates, Alex presented himself as the person best able to guide CDLT in the next period of its strategic development. We have every confidence that he will build on the work carried out by our staff, Management Committee, and trustee committees over a very difficult and Covid-battered 16 months. We look forward to working with him to reinforce CDLT’s leading position as promoter of the history and culture of Clan Donald and other Highland clans, and as the preserver of the Clan Donald estate on Skye for the benefit of both local and worldwide communities.” He added: “Alex has his family roots on Skye and has stated his wish to return home and be able to make a difference there. We believe he will and wish him every success in his new position.”