People

Sandy Anderson is the Senior Partner of DGA Forestry and has over 40 years’ experience in forest management and consultancy in both the private and public sectors. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh in 1975 with a BSc Ecological Science (Honours Forestry) and gained an MBA with Distinction from Glasgow University in 1986. He has been a member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters since 1972.

From 1975 to 1987 he worked with the Forestry Commission gaining a wide range of experience in large scale afforestation projects, management of forest nurseries and management of district harvesting programmes within Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire. Sandy joined the firm in 1987, became a partner in 1988 and senior partner in 2002.

In addition to Sandy’s extensive experience in forestry management, he has been involved in over 60 windfarm projects within forestry plantations in a variety of roles, ranging from advice to Landowners on the negotiation of windfarm option agreements and leases; contributions to numerous Environmental Statements; management of forestry operations during the construction phase; preparation, contribution and review of Habitat Management Plans; specialist advice on specific topics; and acted as an expert witness at Public Inquiries.

James Anderson is a partner with the firm and originally qualified as an architect. He worked in London for many years delivering complex major social housing, high end residential, master planning and urban renewal projects. The project management and designs skills utilised in such projects are transferable to the forestry and windfarm projects carried out by DGA Forestry. James is experienced in ArcGIS, MapMaker GIS, AutoCAD and a wide range of other design programmes. He has now been involved in over 30 windfarm and overhead line projects within forestry plantations, including GIS mapping; forest design planning; and contributions to numerous Environmental Statements. Having worked with DGA as a self-employed consultant over a number of years James joined DGA full time in 2012 to assist with the expanding project workload. James is the lead on DGA Forestry’s GIS mapping and data analysis and is also responsible for the operation of DGA Forestry’s UAV platform.

Tom joined DGA in 2023 and became a partner in the business in 2025.  He graduated from Edinburgh University in 2009 and from there joined what was then Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) working in a number of roles from forest management to harvesting.  Tom remained with FCS until 2015 when he took up the position of Forest Manager with Czernin-Kinsky in Dumfries and Galloway. Tom oversaw all aspects of Czernin-Kinsky’s forestry business, covering a portfolio totalling 4,500 ha, from land purchases and strategic planning through to direct timber production and renewable energy development.  Tom brings his wealth of experience to DGA, where he oversees the management of a varied and diverse portfolio of properties across Scotland.

Ellie joined DGA in 2019 and is a Forest Manager. She graduated from Bangor University with a BSc (Hons) and PG Diploma in Forestry. Ellie is responsible for a wide ranging management portfolio including report writing, woodland creation, preparing forest plans, grant applications and forestry insurance. 

Tom joined DGA in 2019, shortly after graduating from Bangor University with a MSc in Forestry.  Tom has a previous degree in Archaeology, which has given him a good grounding in the use of GIS software, report writing and critical analysis of management objectives.  He manages property across Scotland, his roles include the management of contracts, supervision of work, mensuration activities, preparation of reports and the production of management plans.

Sarah Rae joined DGA in 2025 to manage the day to day running of the office. Sarah deals with all aspects of the office management from organising stalking leases, maintaining records, to the coordination and implementation of office procedures.

Abbie joined DGA in 2024 as an assistant forest manager, after graduating from Bangor University with a BSc(Hons) in Applied Terrestrial and Marine Ecology. Around her degree she worked in a local authority developing her skills in personal workload management, flexibility and her confidence within the working environment. In her final year at university, she took modules to focus on her interest in the forestry industry. Within her degree, she used ArcGIS software and is building her skill set further under the tutelage of DGA. Abbie is currently learning from the other forest managers on how to manage contracts, prepare reports and supervise day-to-day forest operations.

Brendan Armstrong joined DGA in 2023 as a consultant working on a wide variety of projects.  With a long and varied career of nearly 50 years within the forestry industry, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team.  Starting out with the Forestry Commission, Brendan has worked across both the private and state sector in everything from arboriculture, contracting, harvesting and timber buying before returning to Forest and Land Scotland where he was employed as a Forest Liaison Officer for 13 years.  As Forest Liaison Officer he was responsible for renewable energy, infrastructure and utility projects within the National Forest Estate to add to his already extensive forestry expertise.  In addition to his experience within the industry, Brendan holds a NEBOSH qualification and advises DGA on all aspects of health and safety within the business.

Kimberly joined DGA in 2024 as a Project Consultant and Data Manager.  Kimberly originally graduated in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in Archaeology from the University of York.  She then changed focus to working in the rural sector, taking on a role within Davidson and Robertson and undertaking further study, obtaining a MLE from Universty of Aberdeen in 2021.  As a Land Agent, Kimberly covered a variety of responsibilities from estate management, negotiating claims against statutory bodies and sales and lettings. She has vast experience of working with GIS software and joined DGA in 2024 to manage DGA’s GIS and data systems.  Kimberly provides support across all aspects of the business and undertakes a strategy and training role within the team.