TGO's Editor-at-Large has joined the board of the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA).

Cameron McNeish, one of the presenters on The Adventure Show on BBC Scotland has been co-opted onto the board and will champion a new Independent Outdoor Professional (IOP) membership category. The IOP category is being introduced to ensure that as many people working in the trade as possible can benefit from and get involved in the work of the association.

Following meetings with chief executive Andrew Denton and communications director Louise Ramsay, Cameron has agreed to play an active role in delivering the OIA’s ambitious plans. Specifically, he will contribute in two key areas: he will help the association to attract more sole traders from the outdoor industry as members, such as commercial sales agents, other journalists, photographers, guides and instructors; he will also use his high national profile to promote the OIA and its aims and objectives to both consumers and government.

Cameron will attend the OIA AGM and conference in Malhamdale on 12/13 March, leading a walk on the afternoon of the first day and then being guest speaker during dinner on the same evening.

The IOP membership category is £60 a year and has been designed to appeal to individuals who have previously been unable to access the services, benefits and networking opportunities that the OIA offers. IOP members will be able to access a substantial package of services and benefits, full details of which will be released in the near future.

Cameron McNeish told us: “I guess it’s a bit of a cliché to say I’m keen to put something back into the industry that has supported me for the past 30 years or so but it’s true. Since standing down as editor of TGO Magazine I realised I had lost contact with the industry, although I’m still working to the same audience, outdoors folk from throughout the UK. This made me realise there are probably many outdoor professionals in the same situation.

“With the new category of membership we hope to bring many more individuals into the fold, and help them enjoy the same benefits as those who are employed by member retailers or manufacturers.”

Andrew Denton commented: “I am thrilled that Cameron has agreed to join the OIA board. He commands huge respect throughout the industry and shares our passion for promoting active participation in the outdoors. Crucially, Cameron also has the kind of high profile that will help us to reach a broad audience – from the general public to influential politicians – with key OIA messages and campaigns. As a champion of the outdoors and figurehead for the IOP membership category, he fits the bill perfectly. Everyone on the board is looking forward to working with Cameron and it’s fantastic that he has joined in time to play a role at our AGM and conference in March.”