During Stuart’s two decades as its first CEO, the organisation has experienced remarkable development and significant growth, with members, staff, external investment, financial turnover and reserves increasing exponentially. 

Stuart oversaw the development and expansion of events such as the Paddle Show which ran in Perth from 2007 to 2014, and the Tay Descent, which attracted over 400 paddlers in its first year, as well as various equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives that have broadened the appeal and reach of paddlesport in Scotland and made the sport more accessible. 

A key focus for Stuart was the formation and delivery of long-term strategies, exemplified by the 'Paddlesport for All' initiative. This strategy led to increased membership and club participation, the establishment of Discipline Development Groups for emerging disciplines, and a focus on learning and development to strengthen safety and safeguarding.

During Stuart’s tenure, Paddle Scotland’s membership and volunteer engagement was enhanced through new volunteer structures and events like the Club Volunteer Conference as well as the implementation of more efficient operational procedures.

Stuart's financial stewardship has been exemplary over the last two decades. During his tenure, sportscotland's annual investment increased tenfold - from circa £50,000 to over half a million - and the organisation's reserves grew by comparable amounts. Stuart also secured substantial external grants, demonstrating a commitment to diversifying Paddle Scotland's funding sources, and guided the organisation through the numerous obligatory regulatory changes, always ensuring compliance.

An increase in sportscotland investment in 2007 led to the hiring of several full time coaches and a Performance Director. This strengthened the Sprint and Slalom pathways within Scotland, enabling young paddlers to gain selection to British teams at Junior and U23 level and helping them to progress onto UK Sport-funded Paddle UK programmes - with many going on to represent GB at Senior level in World and European Championships as well as the Olympics, including winning Olympic medals.

Further sportscotland investment into both staffing and programme activities in recent years led to the establishment of a Paracanoe pathway in Scotland.

Over the past few years, Stuart spearheaded the £1.4 million facilities development project at the organisation’s site at Grandtully, securing funding from multiple sources and ensuring the creation of fully accessible and sustainable facilities, as well as generating significant alternative income streams for the organisation, making Paddle Scotland less dependent on government grants going forwards.

Working alongside various staff and Development Managers, Stuart led the establishment of numerous long-term partnerships: with NatureScot, VisitScotland, EventScotland, SEPA, Scottish Water, local authorities and Glenmore Lodge. 

In 2021, Stuart supported the Wild Water Racing Development Group to win the competitive tendering process to run the BUCS Championships event. With four successful BUCS events having been delivered, this annual event has become a permanent fixture in Paddle Scotland’s calendar.

Stuart will be remembered for making time for volunteers and staff and for being an accessible head of the organisation. He worked tirelessly, mentoring and supporting volunteers and staff alike, many of whom moved onto more senior roles internally and elsewhere. 

Stuart expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to have served Paddle Scotland and its members. "It has been a privilege to work with so many passionate and dedicated individuals," he said. "I am proud of all that we have accomplished together including the long-term financial stability we've built at Paddle Scotland, which has allowed us to expand our programmes in line with ‘Paddlesport for All’ - ensuring a bright future for paddlesport in Scotland."

Interim Chair of the Paddle Scotland Board, Allan McKay, says "Stuart's leadership and vision have been instrumental in Paddle Scotland's transformation. We are grateful for Stuart's two decades of service. He has steered Paddle Scotland through a period of remarkable growth and success, ensuring a strong foundation for the future."

We are hugely grateful for Stuart's invaluable contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Beginning next week, Kevin Pringle will take over as Interim CEO.