Alison joined the Board as an Elected Director at the 2024 Paddle Scotland AGM. At the end of 2025, following an open and high-quality recruitment process, Alison was approved by the Board as the new permanent Chair at the Board meeting in November. She was introduced to the membership in December at the 2025 Paddle Scotland AGM and took over as of 1 January.

Alison brings 20 years of senior leadership experience at a national level in the charity sector including strategic development, community engagement, volunteer development, change management and fundraising. She currently works for the RNLI as their Engagement Lead (Scotland) and is Chair of the RNLI Disability network; demonstrating her passion about equality, diversity and inclusion which she brings to her Paddle Scotland Board role too.

Alison says "It’s been a whirlwind of a year in the board director role, supporting the improvement in governance and contributing to shaping Paddle Scotland for the future.

First and foremost, I am a paddler, so I feel I represent our membership and intend to continue to do this in the Chair role. I dabbled in paddle boarding and sit top kayaks for a few years, and post pandemic joined Kyle Kayak Club in Ayr ultimately falling in love with sea kayaking. I also discovered it is true that you can never have too many kayaks!

This was a big step for me being a deaf paddler having to take my hearing aids out for pool sessions, putting my trust into the coaches and fellow paddlers. I was incredibly well supported as I have been in other clubs and various symposiums I have attended since. I’ve experienced a whole paddling community through the sport, and I personally want to make sure that Paddle Scotland supports the development of that paddling community for all."

A big thanks goes to outgoing Interim Chair Allan McKay, who has diligently chaired the organisation through a period of significant change. Allan will stay on in his role as an Appointed Director.

There will be an opportunity to meet and welcome Alison at the Paddle Scotland Recognition Awardstaking place in Stirling at the end of the month - please join us!