I come to the role with huge respect for the community and for the sport - for the energy and generosity the volunteers, participants and professionals bring that create and support a vibrant paddling scene in Scotland which is full of opportunity. More broadly, my personal connection to the sport has helped shape how I think about people, learning and community.

Like many paddlers, I first found the sport through a club. That experience gave me far more than technical skills; it was about friendship, challenge, a taste of competition and a sense of belonging and fun. Both personally and professionally, paddling has been a constant: a place of adventure, journeying and exploration for me, but also a powerful tool for experiential learning and personal development. It has shown me how much people can grow when they are supported, offered new horizons and trusted.

Having worked in the outdoor sector for almost 30 years, I also bring a strong understanding of the wider landscape around paddlesport - the people, partnerships, professional practice, safety culture, governance and infrastructure that help make positive experiences and development possible. My wider work with community-based grassroots organisations has also shown me how much local clubs and voluntary groups give to their communities, and the pressures they can face in sustaining volunteers, building good governance, creating welcoming spaces and making sure grassroots voices are heard and needs met.

Scotland’s natural environment offers some of the most inspiring places to paddle anywhere in the world. But what makes paddling here truly special is the community and the individuals within it: club volunteers welcoming newcomers, coaches and leaders building confidence and skill, athletes pursuing excellence and podiums, access advocates protecting opportunities and environment, the professional community and delivery partners creating safe, meaningful and high-quality experiences on the water.

I want to thank Kevin Pringle for the fantastic job he has done as Interim CEO over the past year and a half. Kevin has provided thoughtful leadership, continuity and a generous handover. Together with the Paddle Scotland team, he has helped build and maintain momentum, listen carefully to the community and shape a constructive way forward during a period of transition.

As I step into this permanent role my aim is not to start again, but to build on the positive direction already underway. Listening will remain a central part of my approach, and I am committed to ensuring that your voice is heard. I also recognise that stability and focus are essential if we are to continue developing practical support and delivering positive change with and for the paddling community. That means championing access and safety, supporting clubs and volunteers, recognising professional providers, strengthening pathways, growing participation, supporting our athletes to achieve at the highest level and working with partners to care for the environments that make our sport possible.

Paddling has a powerful ability to bring people together. At its best, it supports wellbeing, adventure, friendship, confidence and a positive relationship with nature. I look forward to meeting many of you on and off the water, at clubs, venues and events across Scotland. Thank you for the welcome I have already received. I am excited about what we can build together.

Originally published in the July 2026 edition of 'Scottish Paddler', Paddle Scotland's magazine for members.