Bank chief to chair Botanics

A FORMER head of The Royal Bank of Scotland has been named as the new chairman of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden.

Sir George Mathewson, who served as both chief executive and chairman of the banking giant, was appointed today by Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochead.

He said: "I am delighted that Sir George Mathewson has agreed to become the chair of Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Garden.

"The Garden brings international visitors to Scotland and shares its expertise with many other countries of the world.

"I am confident that Sir George's expertise and extensive business experience will ensure that he leads the RBGE to an even greater contribution to enable the world of plants to be resilient in the face of the environmental challenges which lie ahead."

Sir George joined RBS in 1987, serving as chief executive from 1992. In 2001 he was appointed chairman of the group, and retired in April last year, although continued as an advisor.

He is currently chairman of the campaign board of the Botanic Garden.