Katrina is Chair of the Wildfire2024 Steering Committee, having taken over from Bruce Farquharson in February 2024.

Katrina is Director of The Heather Trust and oversees the work of the Support Staff.

Previously, Katrina worked for Bidwells property consultants as Head of Communications (Scotland), prior to which she was Head of PR & Education with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust for 13 years.

Katrina brings a wealth of experience in journalism, public relations, strategic communications, business development and education combined with a great love and understanding of the uplands and the challenges faced there.

She says of Wilfire2024;

“This flagship event will attract delegates, sponsors, industry experts, scientists and thought leaders from all over the world and will be an excellent opportunity to share and learn as we face the global climate emergency.”

Michael is the Area Commander, Local Senior Officer Highland with the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

He is Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum, working with a diverse range of partners to develop a common understanding and agenda for all of the agencies involved in wildfire prevention and response. He previously spent 17 years with the Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Michael Bruce is the Managing Director of Firebreak Services Ltd and has been delivering wildfire and prescribed burning training to land managers and fire service personnel since 1997 as a Lantra Awards registered instructor.

Michael has also been running Glen Tanar Estate since 1986. He practises Muirburn (prescribed burning) for a variety of objectives including wildlife habitat management, ground preparation for tree regeneration, the creation of fuelbreaks and applied research on the estate.

In addition, he is the chairman of the local South Grampian Wildfire Group and Vice-Chair of the Scottish Wildfire Forum (SWF) and has carried out applied fire research projects.

He has international experience as Project Manager of the EU Leonardo EuroFire training project and was on the list of UN FAO forest fire experts for many years.

Rob is a leading academic expert on moorland management with a particular emphasis on vegetation management including bracken control and subsequent restoration and heather management. Rob advises the Steering Committee on scientific matters.

With over a decade's experience in event management and six years with The Heather Trust, Eppie advises the Committee on the practical aspects of the conference and also liaises with the P&J Live. She works closely with the support staff to ensure the conference is delivered smoothly and that nothing has slipped through the net.

Robert is Wildfire Team Leader and Project Officer at Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service, as well as Secretary of the England and Wales Wildfire Forum.

Jess Findlay is the Committee's representative from NatureScot.