With over a decade of experience in the outdoor industry, Noush has run her own business (What'SUP? Scotland) whilst also working with organisations such as Scouts Scotland and Venture Scotland. She holds an MSc in Outdoor Education and is a qualified Health and Wellbeing Coach, as well as a First Aid and Mental Health First Aid Tutor. Prior to her career in outdoor education, she served as a Police Constable, bringing valuable leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to her new role.

In her role as Delivery Centre Manager, Noush will oversee Paddle Scotland’s delivery of British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Qualifications and Awards. She will ensure compliance with BCAB requirements, support tutors and assessors, and help learners navigate their training, assessment, and certification journeys.

As a recently qualified SUP Coastal Leader and SUP Open Water Coach, Noush also brings first-hand insight into the learner experience. Combined with her expertise in process improvement, IT systems, and relationship-building, she is well-positioned to foster positive connections with coaches, leaders, paddlers, our provider network, internal verifiers, and the British Canoeing Awarding Body.

Noush says:

"I’m thrilled to be stepping into the role with Paddle Scotland. Stepping into this role, I know there will be plenty to learn and challenges to navigate, but that’s part of what makes this so exciting. Growth comes from embracing new experiences, and I’m looking forward to learning from amazing coaches, paddlers, and colleagues.

This is more than just a job for me - it is an opportunity to give back to a sport and community that have shaped so much of my life. Paddlesports have taken me on incredible journeys, introduced me to inspiring people, and taught me lessons that have gone far beyond the water. Now, I have the privilege of supporting and developing coaches, helping others find their path in the sport, and ensuring that paddling in Scotland continues to grow and thrive."

Our current Delivery Centre Manager Lara Cooper, will remain in post until the end of June 2025, working together with Noush to support a smooth transition and continuity in the delivery of our British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Qualifications and Awards. Lara and Noush will collaborate closely to ensure a seamless handover, maintaining high standards of compliance, tutor support, and learner guidance throughout the process.

With this transition plan in place, we are confident that Paddle Scotland’s Delivery Centre will continue to thrive, providing excellent training, assessment, and support for the paddling community.

Lara says:

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Noush to the team. She brings a wealth of experience and skills that will add immense value to Paddle Scotland and provide the necessary support to our tutors, enabling them to continue delivering high-quality training/assessment while ensuring we maintain BCAB compliance."

Please join us in giving Noush a warm welcome! If you’d like to reach out to her or any of the Paddle Scotland team, you can find our contact details here.