New Chair for BE Scotland
After 15 years of being heavily involved with BE Scotland, Chair Les Smith has stood down from the role after moving south of the Border. He is succeeded by Douglas Edward who will be starting with immediate effect.
Douglas, 43, from Forgandenny in Perthshire, is a Partner and Director in his family’s agricultural businesses and has a long-standing interest in Eventing. Aged 16 he went to work for Ian Stark, and spent three years there as a Rider/Groom prior to joining the family firm.
He has remained an amateur competitor, producing two horses up to three star level. He served on the committee of Central Scotland Horse Trials, is the current rider representative on the Scottish BE Committee and midway through training as a Technical Adviser.
“I would like to thank BE for inviting me to become Chairman of BE Scotland. I am looking forward to working alongside all who will be involved in the challenge of further enhancing the BE experience for all stake holders in Scotland,” said Douglas.
The outgoing Chair, Les Smith, commented: “I must say a special thank you to all the members of BE who have voted for me and kept me on the board for eight years. It has been at times challenging, but mostly rewarding. I enjoyed fighting the corner for the Northern part of the country. I wish Douglas every success in his new role.
BE Chief Executive, Mike Etherington-Smith, adds: "Les has done a sterling job in the role and we are all delighted that Douglas, with his very wide experience and broad knowledge has very kindly agreed to take over the reins. A key relationship of this Committee is with HorseScotland and next on the agenda is how we can all maximise the legacy from the FEI European Championships at Blair 2015."