Our Trustees

Trustees
  • Simon Clarke
    Simon Clarke

    A background in construction, design, management and quantity surveying together with experience in the marine industry. Operation Manager for Tay Salmon Fisheries Co. Ltd.

  • Cllr Alasdair Bailey
    Cllr Alasdair Bailey

    Alasdair Bailey is Councillor for the Carse of Gowrie ward on Perth and Kinross Council. He takes a keen interest in outdoor activities and the natural environment. Having benefitted from the work of a city-centre outdoor activity centre in his youth, Alasdair is keen to ensure that other young people get the same opportunity.

  • David Gardiner
    David Gardiner

    Wealth of knowledge and experience of the river Tay and its environs.  Passionate about the environment and regenerating the Tay. Extensive experience of working with local schools and other groups to raise awareness about their local environment including, fish, wildflowers, wildlife and birds.

  • Sharon Bissett-Clarke
    Sharon Bissett-Clarke
  • Cllr. Gary Holt
    Cllr. Gary Holt
Advisors
  • Iain Valentine
    Iain Valentine

    Biologist by training, Iain has worked in conservation for over 30 years. Brought up in Broughty Ferry, he has extensive knowledge of the local environment and it’s people. Passionate about wildlife and inspiring and exciting a new generation of conservationists.

  • John McCrone
    John McCrone

    Experienced chartered town planner focusing on major physical and economic projects. Currently developing an investment and project framework for Perth City to promote the Council’s and City Board ambitions for growth of the city in collaboration with public and private partners and the Scottish Cities Alliance.  Director and Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographic Society.

  • Paul Vaughan
    Paul Vaughan
Employees
  • Jim Findlay
    Jim Findlay Chief Executive Officer

    Extensive senior management experience of local government and the voluntary sector. Expertise in partnership working, strategic planning and regeneration, community development and fund raising.

  • Adam Burns
    Adam Burns Willowgate Activity Centre Manager

    Experienced Centre & Operations Manager with a great passion for development in the outdoors and a love for the water. Qualified to instruct and train in numerous Outdoor Activities, along with 10 years experience in the industry. Adam brings a wealth of knowledge & ideas to this new project.

  • Valerie Brookes
    Valerie Brookes ADMINISTRATOR

    Honours degree in Animal Science and a Master Degree in conservation and bio-diversity. Val has a strong interest in wildlife and the environment and was previously a volunteer with the RSPB at Loch Leven also as a Science Officer for Reef Doctor in Madagascar and a Research Assistant for the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Republic of Congo.

  • Emily Hamilton-Peach
    Emily Hamilton-Peach Operations Manager

    Experienced Operations Manager and a passion to share the outdoor world with everyone. Emily brings her experience from running expeditions around the world and qualifications to instruct activities and teach others to become Instructors too. Running the day to day operations at Willowgate.

  • Hayely Smith
    Hayely Smith Programme Co-ordinator

    Working behind the scenes to help organise everything from staff admin, marketing, and design work. Hayely has an interest in the outdoors and wildlife and since being at Willowgate has gotten involved in various sports.

  • Robert Edgar
    Robert Edgar Groundsman

    An experienced groundkeeper, gamesman and fisherman, Bob keeps the centre looking the best it can be by fixing or building brand new facilities.

  • David Marshall
    David Marshall Senior Instructor

    A passion for all outdoor activities and years of experience, Dave is tasked with managing instructors as well as organising and delivering our Duke of Edinburgh programmes, bestowing his skills onto others.

  • Sam Garthwaite
    Sam Garthwaite Lead Instructor

    The first instructor hired at Willowgate, Sam has worked his way up to Lead Instructor and has years of experience in the outdoor industry. He also runs programmes and activities with people with additional support needs and now leads the team at the front.

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