News

The Green Blue’s First Project Officer in Scotland is Appointed

The Green Blue have appointed Julia Christie as Project Officer for Scotland.  Julia, a sailor and research scientist, will be based at the Royal Yachting Association Scotland (RYAS) in Edinburgh.  Building on the work of The Green Blue initiative in England and Wales, Julia will promote their environmental education and awareness initiative throughout Scotland. 

 Julia has been sailing since potty training and has progressed from windsurfers, to dinghies and then to yachts.  She can be seen regularly sailing a Mirage 37 ketch on the West Coast of Scotland with her husband and two dogs.  She is also a qualified sports sub-aqua diver. 

Julia combines this enthusiasm for watersports with experience in applied environmental ecology and research.  She graduated from the University of Bath with a First Class degree in Applied Biology and has worked for Wessex Water Plc, the Forestry Commission, Imperial College and the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI).  In 2000 she gained a PhD with the University of Reading, department of Agriculture.

Scotland has a rich scenic, historical and cultural heritage, and is host to nationally and internationally important habitats and species.  With over 11,000km of coastline, numerous lochs and a number of inland waterways Scotland has some of the most stunning locations and opportunities for watersports in Europe.  It is in everyone’s interest to minimise the impact of their activities and help preserve  these environments.  The Green Blue aims to raise awareness of the environmental impacts of commercial and leisure activities in these areas, promoting sustainable use and development.  Julia will be contacting clubs, marinas and marine businesses to spread this message and to encourage ‘best practice’.  This information is relevant to everyone who uses and operates in both fresh and coastal waters and inland waterways.  For further information contact Julia.Christie@thegreenblue.org.uk.