He joins the development team to further enhance support for the organisation’s network of over 80 affiliated clubs across the country.

The role sits at the heart of Paddle Scotland's work with clubs, combining hands-on engagement at events and on the water with support for the governance, finance and health and safety work that keeps clubs running behind the scenes. Coach and skill development, and growing opportunities for coaching and leadership awards, will also be a key part of the role, alongside building relationships with delivery partners and affiliated events across Scotland.

Liam brings extensive experience from a career spent almost entirely in outdoor and paddlesport education. He joins from Scout Adventures Lochgoilhead, where he has been Deputy Centre Manager since 2023, having previously spent six years there as Senior Outdoor Instructor. In that time he line-managed instructional staff, supported centre accreditation with AALS, RYA and Paddle UK, and helped establish the centre's partnership with Paddle Scotland. 

Throughout his time with the Scouts, Liam has supported volunteer committees and leaders in developing their units and integrating paddlesports education and development within the organisation. Earlier roles took him through outdoor centres in Cheshire, Surrey and Arrochar, building a career grounded in facilitating and leading groups of young people and adults in high-quality outdoor learning.

Liam is already well known within the Paddle Scotland network as a provider of a wide range of British Canoeing coaching qualifications and awards, including Core Coach training, Paddlesport Leader, Paddlesport Instructor, Safety and Rescue Training, and multiple coach assessor and tutor roles. He also holds qualifications spanning mountain leadership, sailing and powerboating instruction, safeguarding, and health and safety training.

As staff lead for the Scouts Scotland and Paddle Scotland partnership, Liam has driven the creation of paddlesport hubs for Scouts and supported more than 100 volunteer Scout leaders across Scotland in completing a paddlesport qualification. He has also organised and delivered events including the Outdoor Conference and Build Yer Skills, coordinating staff, volunteers and external providers, and has secured significant funding to support sustainability projects at his current centre.

Commenting on his appointment, Liam said: "I'm really looking forward to joining Paddle Scotland and working closely with our clubs and volunteers. Clubs are the backbone of paddlesport in Scotland, and I'm passionate about supporting the staff and volunteers on the ground who make paddling safe and enjoyable for the next generation of paddlers."

Liam will start on Monday 31 August and will be working across Scotland to support clubs on the ground.