Cliff Beck has been appointed chief executive of Munlochy-based Highland Birchwoods. He replaces Hazel Allen who has taken up a position at the University of Highlands & Islands.

Mr Beck was formerly rural development manager at Highland Birchwoods, an organisation dedicated to research and to developing best practice in the management of Scotland’s forests and woodlands. The company is a partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highland Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise.