Laura is a partner of Minuntion in South Ayrshire, a hill farm and sporting estate which includes tourism and woodland alongside other interests with an emphasis on the restoration of habitats and farming for wildlife and biodiversity. She has a degree in Scottish Literature and History of Art and spent her early career as a producer of television documentaries, working at outlets including the BBC. She is now a freelance archivist and mother of two young children. Laura is also a board member of the Galloway and South Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and as chair of SLE's Clydeside region, she is already very involved in the organisation's activities in the south-west of Scotland.
Michael, meanwhile, works in the investment management industry, originally in London and now in Edinburgh. While looking after clients' investments, he also helps in the running of Douglas & Angus Estates. The fully diversified estates have interests in agriculture, tourism, property, energy and sporting and its enterprises have been recognised in the SLE Helping it Happen Awards.
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Both Laura and Michael have also been instrumental in formulating a networking group for the next generation of land managers in the south of Scotland, sharing ideas and best practices as well as providing peer support.
Laura Warrender said: "I've really enjoyed my involvement with Scottish Land & Estates and the opportunity to learn but also to help other businesses and professionals has been extremely worthwhile. Rural skills, climate change and the future of agriculture are all hugely topical issues where SLE members make a very positive contribution and my new role will allow me to support them into the future."
Michael Dunglass said: "Estates are often the bedrock of local rural economies, generating employment whilst working tirelessly to support local communities as well as nature and the environment. In my role at Douglas & Angus Estates, I've been able to engage with SLE and its members through initiatives such as the Helping it Happen awards and see the breadth and scale of what goes on across Scotland. I'm pleased to be able to contribute via the SLE board as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the coming years."
At the AGM, Hugh Campbell Adamson and Sandy Lewis concluded their terms on the SLE board and stepped down from their roles.
Mark Tennant, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Laura and Michael to the SLE board. Both will bring invaluable knowledge, experience, ideas and enthusiasm to the organisation as we work to represent members' interests and ensure rural Scotland can prosper for decades to come.
"We have a talented and diverse board which reflects the breadth of our membership at Scottish Land & Estates and with the appointment of Laura and Michael, we are also underlining the value we place on engaging with the next generation of land managers.
"My appreciation also goes to Hughie and Sandy and we thank them for their sterling contribution over the past few years."
