Deirdre Stewart is Programme Director for the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, leading the Trust’s project at Dalnacardoch, Blair Atholl. Having been a practising land agent for well over 20 years with a focus on the management of upland estates across Perthshire, Angus and Deeside, Deirdre brings her passion for all things rural, with a focus on deer and wildlife management to our conversation.

Join us as Deirdre takes us from growing up as a crofter’s daughter in Inverness-shire with days spent rolling wool, plucking grouse and getting her hands dirty through university, life as a female land agent and on to life as a female factor! Deirdre reminisces on highs and lows, the challenges and opportunities she has been afforded over the course of her career so far and the fantastic people she has met, collaborated with, worked alongside and had the privilege of learning from.

We discuss change in the sector, the impact of a new type of landowner and the opportunities this presents for new skills and therefore people to enter rural Scotland. An often familiar theme across Women in Wellies episodes, we chat about self-confidence and the power of having conviction, a firm footing in your knowledge.

Deirdre rounds out season 1 of Women in Wellies and her episode with some fantastic advice and another endorsement for the Scottish Rural Leadership Programme!

Connect with Deirdre on social media : LinkedIn - Deirdre Stewart \\ Instagram - @deirdrefstewart

Episode Recorded on 10th July & 27th August 2024.

All views expressed are our own.

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