Michael Moore appointed new president of The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Former secretary of state for Scotland Michael Moore has been appointed as the new president of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). 

Based in the Scottish Borders, Michael brings more than 40 years of experience in business, politics and community engagement to the wildlife conservation charity. 

He succeeds Ian Marchant, the former chairman of Thames Water, who has stepped down following ten years in the role. 

“Almost everyone in Scotland has had some connection with Edinburgh Zoo or the Highland Wildlife Park in their lifetime,” said Michael. 

“I have many happy memories of all my visits and I am very excited to become president of this fantastic charity. 

“What impresses me most about RZSS is their enormous success in delivering their conservation mission to save amazing species from extinction. This internationally-renowned work sits alongside their huge commitment to engage with communities across Scotland and to involve people from all walks of life in their projects. 

“It is a real privilege to become involved and to play my part in creating a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.” 

RZSS chief executive David Field said, “Michael has a wealth of experience and joins us at a critical time. 

“We are facing a biodiversity crisis and the role of modern zoos in connecting people with the natural world and protecting vulnerable species is more important than ever before.” 

Michael began his career in Edinburgh, qualifying as a Scottish chartered accountant before entering politics. In 1997 he was elected as a member of parliament representing south-east Scotland in the House of Commons until 2015. He served as Secretary of State for Scotland in the coalition government cabinet from 2010 to 2013. 

Following his parliamentary career, Michael worked as an adviser at PwC before becoming chief executive of UK Private Capital, a London-based financial services trade body. 

Michael has also chaired the Borders Book Festival for the past decade, helping to establish it as one of the UK’s leading literary events.