The re-appointment to the Advisory Committee on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (ACSSSI) of its Convenor, Professor Donald A. Davidson, has been announced today by Michael Russell, Minister for Environment.

Professor Davidson and his colleagues on the Committee will continue to provide independent scientific advice to Scottish Natural Heritage on the notification of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Professor Davidson's appointment is until May 2009 and as Convenor he receives a daily attendance fee of £209.44.


He is a Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Stirling and a Member of the editorial boards of two scientific journals and deputy editor of another. He is also a College Member of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for which he receives £1000 per annum in remuneration.

ACSSSI is an advisory NDPB established in 1992, under the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 to advise Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in cases were there are sustained scientific objections to the notification of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Its role was amended under the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. The Committee meets as needed, discussing with SNH and objectors, and reviewing evidence on the potential designation of areas.

OCPAS have agreed to this extension in order to assist in managing the planned dissolution of ACSSSI and the incorporation of its functions within SNH's board structures.

(GK/JM)