Highland Third Sector Representation

Originally from Nigg in Easter Ross, I spent 10 years studying and working in Edinburgh before returning home to take up the post of Chief Executive of Fèis Rois in April 2009. I previously worked as a Cultural Coordinator for the City of Edinburgh Council where I linked schools with artists and cultural organisations to deliver cross-curricular projects. At Fèis Rois, we contract 180+ freelance musicians and artists to work with approximately 6,000 children and young people, and 500+ adult learners each year. All of our work is delivered in collaboration with others, and we have strong partnerships across the public and third sectors. 

I believe strongly in the power of cross sector collaboration and, in recent years, I have written several successful funding bids for large-scale partnership projects, including Highland Youth Arts Hub, Highland Culture Collective and the multi-million pound Dandelion project.
I was honoured to have been made an Honorary Fellow of UHI in 2022, named as one of ten Outstanding Women in Scotland by the Saltire Society in 2019, and listed in the 2018 BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Power List.

“As a past rep, I have been working collaboratively to ensure the vital work of the third sector is recognised and valued, including gathering information and evidence from other third sector organisations, and presenting it to the Committee itself. I feel we have raised the profile of the work of the third sector. Only by working together, listening and informing can we make the positive changes needed and for third sector to be equal partners to the strategic vision for Highland.”

“With my roles at both Thriving Families and Inspiring Young Voices I have a good grounding of the education context, including policy and legislation, and hear the voices of children, young people, and families. I am an active participant in the wider third sector, including the Children's Services Forum and Keeping Children Safe Reference Group where I meet lots of other people championing the rights and views of children and young people.”

Bio coming soon.

“I am the Chief Officer of Youth Highland which is an umbrella organisation which supports a large network of voluntary youth groups and organisations across Highland. 

My role means that I have a good understanding of a wide range of organisations and the challenges they face and opportunities for growth. Youth Highland has led in the development of the Voluntary Youth Network and a shared plan for the delivery of voluntary youth work. This work has ensured the survival of voluntary youth work despite 100% budget cuts. I think I am in a good position to represent many organisations and groups, and the needs of young people."

Bio coming soon

"I am passionate about and committed to empowering all children and young people to have their voices heard in a way that impacts the issues that matter to them and positively influences policy and practice. Outside of my work, caring and volunteering roles I am outdoor enthusiast who enjoys the positive impact that outdoor adventuring has on my health and wellbeing.

I have worked in a variety of roles across the academic, public and third sector. I began as an academic researcher in the Health and Social Sciences. My public sector roles include regional business development and board membership at NHS Highland and the Cairngorm National Park Authority. Within the third sector I worked with Brook Scotland and Waverley Care in education and training roles. Currently I am the Chief Officer of Inspiring Young Voices. Within my work roles I have successfully led a variety of projects and teams."

“I currently work for Barnardo's as an Assistant Director.  I have worked in the 3rd sector for 24 years, the last 9 of which has been in Children's Services.  My current role in Highland involves strategic and operational responsibility for looked after children within a residential setting, through care aftercare provision and child sexual and criminal exploitation work.  I have extensive experience in specialist domestic abuse advocacy provision and a background in advocacy for child victims and witnesses of crime.  I have a good understanding of 3rd sector provision in Highland and the challenges faced.  I am a member of the Highland Strategic Partnership, working together with statutory and 3rd sector providers to develop an Alliance approach to the delivery of Children's Services.”

“I have significant third sector experience in the provision of independent advocacy and a background in health care for over 25 years. Our focus is person-centred and rights-based in terms of values, and we understand how important it is for us to support and influence local health and social care strategy to maximise quality service provision.

Our links and engagement with stakeholders across the health and social care sectors in Scotland are strong and our 3yr strategy aims to further develop those partnerships. Our Senior Leadership Team are specialists in learning /physical disabilities, autism, ASL, ACE and trauma.”