Botanics board appoints its green knight

Sir Muir has been chairman of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland since 2008 and was reappointed by Scottish ministers for a further three-year term in 2011.

He joined the Scottish Office in 1970, where he held a number of positions in policy and administration, legislation and other parliamentary work, leading to senior management responsibility. He was permanent secretary from 1998 to 2003.

In 2003, he was appointed principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Glasgow and served for six years.

Sir Muir said: “I attach particular importance to the continuing international excellence of [the garden’s] scientific work, as well as to its roles in education and in providing a fine experience for those who visit.”