Peter Pearson, chair of the John Muir Trust

A seasoned mountaineer and adventurer has taken over at the head of a major Scottish conservation charity.

Peter Pearson was appointed chair of the John Muir Trust, which owns land including much of the summit of Ben Nevis.

Mr Pearson, who lives in the shadows of the Ochils, has for decades explored Scotland’s hills and mountains.

He has also travelled further afield to the Himalayas, Karakorum, Greenland and Spitsbergen – where when travelling outside the island’s settlements it is necessary to carry a rifle as a last line of defence against polar bear attacks.

The JMT’s new head rose to national prominence in the mid-2000s as a pivotal figure in Stirling Before Pylons, the campaigning group which helped spearhead the fight against the Beauly-Denny transmission line.

His role earned him a place in a national newspaper’s Power 100 list of the most influential people in Scotland.

Mr Pearson, who lives near Bridge of Allan, has more than 30 years’ experience as a chief executive, director and board member of three community-based housing associations providing affordable housing.

He said: “I have always had a passion for mountains and wild places, so it’s an honour to take on this role.

“The Trust is respected across the UK for its work in protecting and restoring wild land, and for its acclaimed John Muir Award scheme which inspires people to get involved with nature and wild places.

“My predecessor John Hutchison has been a superb ambassador for the charity, and will be a hard act to follow, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”