Press Release
NEW GLENLIVET RANGER TO DELIVER CROWN ESTATE’S COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC
23 June 2008
The Crown Estate has appointed a new countryside ranger who will be based on the Glenlivet estate in north east Scotland.
Vicky Hilton, 34, has worked as a countryside ranger in Scotland for the past 13 years and joined the Glenlivet team in May. She will take forward the future development and management of visitor services on the award-winning estate as part of The Crown Estate’s commitment to delivering a range of access, educational and tourism facilities to help support economic development in this remarkable part of the Cairngorms National Park.
Vicky replaces Andy Wells, who is relocating to The Crown Estate’s Edinburgh office in the autumn after 18 years working at Glenlivet. He will remain involved with Glenlivet, however, working with Vicky and key partners to deliver The Crown Estate’s long-term management strategy for the estate.
“The Crown Estate has invested heavily in a wide range of recreational infrastructure and countryside information services at Glenlivet, which is successfully managed together with agriculture, forestry and sporting activities,” Andy said. “This investment has helped put Glenlivet on the map as a tourist destination and we are delighted that Vicky has joined the team at Glenlivet as her experience, qualifications and interests will help ensure we continue to make improvements and help to support the fragile economy of this remote part of Moray.”
Originally from Lancashire, Vicky studied at Durham University before undertaking a year’s training with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. That appointment introduced her to Scotland and her first job was with the Buccleuch estates in the Scottish Borders, before joining the National Trust for Scotland eight years ago, where she worked in Ayrshire (Culzean Castle and Country Park) and latterly Perthshire (Killiecrankie).
Describing her work as, “more of a vocation than a job”, Vicky has already embraced the practical part of her work, including school visits and a recent 10 day visit by conservation volunteers. “I love the school groups,” Vicky said. “The opportunity to share an enthusiasm for the natural environment and inspire these kids is great.”
“There is always more you can do to provide education services and community opportunities, especially in such a diverse environment as Glenlivet.”
The Glenlivet estate has a rich natural and cultural heritage, but it is also a working estate with over 30 livestock farms and 3,500 ha of commercial forests, providing employment for a significant number of local people. Access facilities and tourism services are integrated with other land uses and The Crown Estate promotes a sustainable management policy which has won widespread recognition. The estate was recently awarded a Gold award under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS). Vicky joins a small team including the head forester and visitor centre receptionist to provide ranger services across the entire Glenlivet estate.
Further Information
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