HTSI Staff
Chief Officer
Mhairi Wylie
Mhairi graduated from Aberdeen University in 2004 and has since worked within the Third Sector in Edinburgh and Highland. Before joining HTSI in 2012, Mhairi worked at Ross and Cromarty Citizens Advice Bureau, initially as the Migrant Worker Project Officer and latterly as Manager.
Both working in the Third Sector and volunteering from a young age in various projects, including overseas, Mhairi was inspired to return to study and completed her MSc in Development Management in 2021.
Having a strong interest in bringing creativity into the workplace her artwork can be seen throughout the main HTSI office and the team is actively encouraged to use creative approaches in their work.
In 2018, Mhairi was appointed to the Board of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the experiences there have helped developed her understanding of work within the Public Sector and good governance; which have helped to strengthen her work here at HTSI.
01349 864 289
Finance and Office Manager
Siobhan MacKenzie
01349 864 289
Siobhan joined HTSI in Nov 2019 having previously studied Accounting & Finance then working in admin roles. Siobhan is responsible for all things finance related including making sure all our wages are paid (and all our bills).
She is also main carer of the office guinea pigs,
Timmy and Herbie, and has recently been appointed ‘social secretary’.
Outside work, her 3 children keep her very busy with attending various dancing and football events across the country. In her spare time Siobhan enjoys eating out, going to concerts and reading.
Development Officer
Funds & Fundraising
Marion MacNeil
01349 864 289
Marion joined HTSI in April 2022, her role focuses on improving access to funds that support the grassroots initiatives helping people in local communities and to build capacity within the Highland’s third sector.
Marion previously worked for Versus Arthritis, first as a Service Manager, then as Senior Area Coordinator for Highlands & Western Isles.
Marion has worked in the third sector for thirty years in various roles, including providing information/helpline services for families with long-term health conditions, supporting volunteers and delivering training.
More recently she has been involved in community development, social media, branding and design.
In her spare time, Marion sings in a covers band and serves as a trustee for a local charity supporting families with additional support needs.
Senior Development Officer Employability
Fiona Macleod
07385 380 756
Fiona Macleod joined HTSI in January 2025. She is looking forward to working with colleagues, partners, and communities across the Highlands to support employability initiatives that make a lasting difference.
Her has always been about working with people to create opportunities that are practical, accessible, and meaningful. I’ve designed and delivered programmes that help individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and take steps toward their goals.
Outside of work, she has volunteered on community boards and projects, and these experiences have shown just how powerful grassroots action can be. Fiona is also passionate about celebrating and preserving Highland culture, and is on a long (and ongoing!) journey to learn Gaelic—it’s a small but meaningful way to connect with the heritage of this amazing region.
Local TSI Services Team
Covering Inner Moray Firth and Wester Ross
Head of Community Impact
Hannah Barrows
07454 946 957
Hannah Barrows is passionate about community empowerment and strives to support communities in their development. An experienced professional with a diverse background from digital services, community development, to project management, Hannah loves using her skills to support communities in Highland. Hannah graduated in 2008 with a Masters in Design degree from the University of Dundee, then moved to Edinburgh where she met her husband. Returning to Scotland in 2020 Hannah moved to Highland where she is currently serving as the Head of Community Impact. In this role Hannah provides leadership and support to the local services team as well as directly supporting communities. Hannah hails from a small island off the coast of Maine, USA and likes to use her experience of growing up in a remote and rural area to inform her work in Highland.
Community Development Officer
Wester Ross
Ffyona Mackenzie
07552 229 589
Ffyona joined HTSI in February 2024, her role includes providing development support and guidance for community based organisations throughout the Wester Ross area. An MLitt graduate from the University of Stirling, she has an educational and career background in Literature, Heritage and Tourism. Having previously worked for the National Trust for Scotland in Collections Care, she has a keen interest in the preservation of history and how important it can be in developing relationships with all cultures and communities. She has a deep interest in Mental Health and Wellbeing, and would love to help develop future projects that incorporate creative activities to facilitate in healing from trauma, depression and anxiety. In her spare time Ffyona is an avid writer, currently working on a gothic novel. She is kept busy trying to keep up with her 7 pet sheep, chickens, 2 dogs (soon to be 4) and cat.
Development Officer
Governance
Kirsty Henderson
01349 864 289
Kirsty (she/her) is an experienced third-sector professional with a background in law and a strong track record of supporting good governance and organisational development. Since joining HTSI in June 2022, she has worked closely with a wide range of third-sector organisations, including charities, community groups and social enterprises, providing expert guidance on governance structures, strategic planning, and regulatory compliance.
Kirsty specialises in helping organisations build strong, transparent governance frameworks that support long-term sustainability and community impact. She also offers crisis management support and facilitates capacity-building initiatives that empower boards and leadership teams to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Kirsty also undertook a secondment with OSCR, Scotland’s charity regulator, where she played a key role in the implementation of the 2023 Charities Act. Her work focused on supporting the sector through significant legislative changes and ensuring these reforms were implemented effectively.
Based on the Black Isle, Kirsty shares her home with her two beloved dogs, Chridhe (a Jackapoo) and Sansa (a Schnoodle). When she’s not working with us, you’ll likely find her out exploring with them!
Kirsty is available for one-to-one or group support sessions—get in touch to see how she can help your organisation thrive.
Development Officer Governance
Kessia Gill
01349 864289
Kessia joined HTSI in April 2025, her role involves providing one-to-one support to third sector organisations in the Inner Moray Firth. She relocated to the Highlands after completing her university dissertation in partnership with Abriachan’s community-owned Forest Trust and subsequently falling in love with the local area and its community. Kessia is passionate about collective community-led action and has spent time volunteering locally in support of causes such as environmental restoration and providing aid to displaced persons.
With an interdisciplinary degree focused on complex problem solving, Kessia brings a broad skillset, and a keen interest in the power of an interconnected multidisciplinary third sector to effectively respond to local need. She is looking forward to connecting with and supporting third sector organisations in strengthening their capacity to deliver positive, resilient change across the Highlands.
Having grown up in Cornwall, she feels most at home spending time outdoors - ideally high up or by the sea. In her spare time she enjoys birdwatching, cooking, playing sport, and learning to play the guitar.
Policy, Communications & Membership
Senior Development Officer
Policy and Membership
Kirsty Harding
07385 380842
Kirsty joined HTSI in March 2025 into a new role working with both our members and looking into Policy that has an impact on the Third Sector in the Highlands. Prior to commencing this role she spent over 20 years working as a Navigator in the RAF flying on both the Nimrod MR2 and the Sentry E-3D. Her time serving took her all over the world and she specialised in instructional roles.
For the last 4 years Kirsty has also been a registered celebrant with the charity Humanist Society Scotland, conducting weddings and funerals. She loves meeting with people from all walks of life and working with them to create ceremonies to mark significant life events with compassion, understanding and celebration.
Outside of work Kirsty has volunteered as a Mentor for MCR Pathways for the past 3 years, but is mostly kept busy spending time with her husband, 2 children, 2 horses and wonderful labrador Skye.
Development Officer
Digital & Communications
Courtney Morrison
01349 864 289
Courtney joined HTSI in August 2021. Her role involves maintaining the website, graphic design work, and creating content and copy for HTSI's social media.
She graduated from Edinburgh Napier University in 2017 with an honours degree in Design and Digital Arts, having previously studied at UHI Inverness. Her degree focused on user-centred design and accessibility, something she strives to include in her design work. She also enjoys creating traditional illustrations with watercolours.
Courtney has mainly worked in the Third Sector since graduating, alongside some time spent as a freelance designer and illustrator.
In her spare time Courtney enjoys going to gigs, travelling, and crocheting creations for her family and friends.
Membership & Digital Officer
Owen Watt
01349 864 289
Owen joined HTSI in June 2021. He is responsible for supporting the development of the work of HTSI in relation to our social media, networking and membership as well as making sure all of our members are kept up to date with our Information bulletins.
Owen also provides a point of contact for HTSI Members and other general enquiries. His spare time is usually spent playing music or watching various sports, following and supporting Ross County here in Dingwall.
Senior Development Officer
Volunteering
Luthien Lark
07436 144 485
Luthien joined HTSI in May 2023, she initially started off her career working in mental health services, both rurally and in Aberdeen city. Luthien then went on to study Psychology MA Honours and Person Centered Counselling at the University of Aberdeen graduating in 2010, after which she was involved in developing a successful pilot Employability project to determine the training and support needs of those furthest from the job market in Aberdeen. Luthien has since lectured in Health and Social Care, before returning to Employability, Training & Recruitment in both the funded and commercial sectors. Outwith work, she has a fondness for horses, creative arts, music (she can be known to play guitar and sing on occasion), writes poetry and promotes the importance of a thriving, creative culture in
the Highlands.
Volunteer Academy Digital Development Officer
Eilidh Forsyth
01349 864289
Eilidh graduated in 2023 from the University of Aberdeen and has spent the last 18 months working for Fèis Rois as a Gaelic Officer. During her time in this role, Eilidh focused on language planning and policy development. She was also able to gain experience as a project administrator for traditional music education projects. In her spare time, Eilidh is often found watching tennis or playing the bagpipes.
Projects
Community Justice Partnership Manager
Kevin Flett
07454 983 516
Having been brought up in the north, Kevin recently returned to the Highlands following a varied working life in homelessness and addiction services, commissioning and partnership working and a number of years in church ministry. He took up his post with HTSI in June.
Over the years he has studied history, theology, addictions and organisational development and hopes to put his experience to good use in his new role.
Outwith work he enjoys all things nautical. Sadly, he had to sell his boat before moving north, but is keeping an eye out for a replacement. He also enjoys cooking (and eating) what he catches as well as reading and walking on regular holidays in the northern isles.
Senior Development Officer
Gabrielle Buist
07552 229 554
Gabrielle joined HTSI in January 2024, bringing her passion for people, community and regenerative systems. She has a degree in Sociology with Environmental Science and has worked in the Third Sector for nearly 20 years in London, Morayshire and Highland. Her interest in community resilience has taken her from ecovillages to Russian foster communities, inspiring her to design innovative programmes for young people from all backgrounds including care experience and those with learning disabilities.
More recently she worked for Evanton Community Trust doing consultations, development plans, fundraising, instigating projects and events. She is now supporting development of the Community Justice Partnership plans through partnership support, information sharing and research. In her spare time she likes to get out in nature with her family, exercise the dog and herself on foot, bike or canoe, ideally cooking on campfires in the summer and jumping into cold water. She serves as a community councillor on Kiltearn Community Council.
Development Officer
Human Rights & Equalities
Graham Ross
01349 864289
Graham joined the HTSI team in March of 2023, he links in on a project with THRE (Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities) to deliver training and advice to third sector charities on promoting Human rights and equalities in their organisations.
Graham attended the University of the West of Scotland when he lived in Paisley, then worked in a children’s residential home in Caithness for three years before moving to Dundee to continue this career path. Graham enjoyed fifteen years in residential childcare, in various levels and positions before joining the HTSI team.
He has enjoyed fitting in time working with some charities in between these other job roles. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, two children and cat, Bowie. His hobbies include playing and listening to music, hiking, outdoor swimming and reading books.
Project Manager
Alan Grant
07510 210 002
Alan joined HTSI in 2018 as development officer with LGOWIT and now manages our Custody Link Worker Project. Alan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fields of housing, youth development and fuel poverty.
Custody Link Worker
Rachel Brown
07510 209 996
Rachel joined the project in July 2021 after working in housing support, supporting people involved in the criminal justice system to access services and develop living skills with the aim of then moving into their own tenancies. Prior to this she studied at UofG and received an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice in 2015.
Outside of work Rachel really enjoys cooking, if she doesn't have her nose in a book (she is a huge fantasy fan), she spends time with friends or family.
Custody Link Worker
Vicki Macleod
07936 315 176
Vicki joined HTSI after working in Children and Young People’s services for 7 years, offering a secure and safe environment for young people within residential homes. She provided guidance and support to young people who were involved in the Children’s Hearing System or had faced trauma and or adversities. She ensured there was access to education, employment, mental health support, and advocacy with the aim that they could move into their own tenancy or where possible back to the family home.
Outside work Vicki spends time with her husband and 3 children, and not forgetting her cheeky excitable black Labrador Bella.
Café Team Leader
Val Cooper
07472 677 663 or 01463 224454
Val joined HTSI as the Volunteer and Placement Co-ordinator for Café 1668 in September 2022 and now is the Café Manager. Prior to this she worked for the University of the Highlands and Islands for 23 years, and brings a wealth of administrative experience and a strong desire to transfer her skills to the third sector. Val works closely with staff and a fantastic team of volunteers without whom the Café would not be able to operate. Val manages the day to day activities of the Café and loves the variety and challenges that this involves.
Val has a particular interest in community and enjoys volunteering and contributing to a variety of groups and activities in the Glen Urquhart area. Val loves gardening and spending time outdoors, listening to music, going on road trips and spending time with family and friends.
Café Cook
Freya Malone
01463 224454
N/A
Freya joined Café 1668 as a cook in 2023 and fully embraces the ethos and mission of the café by finding creative ways to reduce food waste. Freya enjoys the challenge of creating nutritious healthy free meals and experimenting with new ingredients. Since joining the café Freya has caught the baking bug and produces many delicious (sometimes vegan) cakes and bakes. Freya joined HTSI with a wide range of cooking and hospitality experience, often doing seasonal work abroad, and is now happy to be settled and spending her free time exploring the Highlands. Freya is also a keen forager and is currently studying an online course in mycology; she also loves playing the guitar, pool and getting involved in community events.
Café Cook
Eva Alonso Maranon
01463 224454
N/A
Having a very diverse background and working in different areas, Eva has worked as a Chef for the last 5 years.
As a Chef, she's got a strong focus on reducing food waste by recombining ingredients to create hearty, comforting and nutritious foods. Previous experiences within the hospitality industry include patisserie, prep chef and second chef in Dundee as well as Inverness.
She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and she's undertaken courses in International Cooperation and Education for Sustainable Development, completing her formation in different job and volunteering roles within the third sector across Spain, Malaysia and Thailand. She loves working closely to her community and trying her best to make an positive impact on her environment -think globally, act locally!