COMMUNITY COMPANY - Key Persons
Zander started working for the Community Company in 2018. He is currently on a seasonal contract working from April through to October and occasionally he is drafted in during the winter months to help with larger projects. He left us for a short while to work for Compass Building & Construction Services, but he hadn't gone far as he was helping to build the new houses at Caledonian Court. He was back again to join the team once that was completed.
Zander excels working with stone construction projects including wet and dry stone walling.
Chris was born and raised in Fort William before moving to Fort Augustus in 1994 with his long term partner Felicity. They rented a flat at The Old Convent while running a small B & B then starting a business building, shed, garages and stables. They bought the Old Convent in 2009, which was in a bad state of repair, they are still renovating but are running a self catering business from the renovated bit!
Music has always been a huge part of his life since learning the guitar as a teenager. He played in a school punk band, started a two piece cover band "The Bizz" with Hamish MacKay playing in pubs and clubs for about 10yrs. I took up the fiddle later in life and have played in a couple of traditional bands whilst also teaching guitar. I am currently in a cover band with another Director, Lorn MacKay.
He has been self- employed for many years preferring to ‘Plough his own furrow' in life and being told what to do by a boss really didn't work for him! Not one for authority and never having time for organisations, clubs, associations etc (he says the punk ethos never leaves you) He is about as far away from the stereotypical director type as you could get. So when it was suggested that he become a director he thought that since he loves this area and village he wanted to do his bit for the community coupled with his ideology and could bring something different to the Community Company…
Many of you will know David from his 31 years in the police force, although hopefully just for his friendly smile not because you got on the wrong side of the law! He finally decided to retire from the Police Force in early 2022 and has taken on the challenge of keeping Glenmoriston all spruced up and tidy. He works 2 days a week from April to October.
Previously a Director of the Community Company, David now enjoys making a difference to his community in a much more hands on way.
David loves travelling, cooking and gardening, now that he has the time.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Director
- Founding Director of the Great Glen Energy Cooperative
Felix has been a Director since 2018, and became Chair in 2022, after having served as Vice- Chair since 2020.
Born and bred in Fort Augustus, Felix served in the Royal Air Force for 30 Years, before returning to the village in 1997. On leaving the RAF, Felix worked in the construction industry, valuable experience which he brought to the housing sub-group and new homes project! Felix has also worked as greenkeeper for Fort Augustus Golf Club, and most recently as Groundsman for Glenmoriston Estate.
Felix is also a founding Director of the Great Glen Energy Cooperative, and in his spare time is passionate about local history.
Fiona is one of the Directors co-opted onto the Board in 2022.
As someone born and raised in Fort Augustus Fiona has a wealth of knowledge about growing up in the community.
Fiona left the Highlands for a while to study music at College in Glasgow and then headed off to explore Australia, where she tried her hand at farming Australian style.
Having returned to Fort Augustus she now juggles lots of different things from working at The Legion and her Mum's shop to singing in a rock band.
A busy lady, but she also wanted to become a Director at the Community Company. Her aim is to understand what is available to the community and to help and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunities.
Fiona is involved with the new community growing initiative a subject she is passionate about. She also helps out teaching children to sing, another of her passions.
Gordon joined the team in 2016 initially as a seasonal part time worker but soon found himself working all year round as a valued member of the team. Gordon spent most of his working life as a chef in various locations and local prominent business owner in Fort Augustus. He still currently runs two successful businesses from home as well as working for the community company.
There's not enough hours in a day for Gordon and his relentless drive and enthusiasm is impressive. His technical ability and being able to turn his hand to any task within a working day is his strength.
In his spare time Gordon enjoys family time, hands on projects and Land Rovers.
Job Titles:
- Chief Officer
- FAGCC As Chief Officer
Ian joined FAGCC as Chief Officer in 2021. He has 20+ years experience in the voluntary sector having worked with a number of community organisations in the Highlands and Islands both directly employed and in a support and advisory role with Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Development Trusts Association Scotland. He is a great source of knowledge if you want to apply for funding.
Ian loves the outdoors, particularly anything to do with boats. He is a keen kayaker and also enjoys cycling and walking. You will often find him out on the water or in the hills at weekends.
His favourite part of the job is delivering useful projects that provide long term tangible benefits.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- FAGCC As Administrator
Karen joined FAGCC as Administrator in 2019, when the office was first set up. She previously worked in corporate finance but spent many more years in the travel and tourism sector, both in corporate and charitable organisations.
Karen likes nothing better than organising things, from the Village Hall bookings to the plethora of paperwork that is needed. Her favourite part of the job though is when she gets to meet with grant applicants. She loves hearing about the ideas people have to benefit the community and trying to find ways to make that happen.
In her spare time Karen enjoys walking her dog, sewing, gardening and Scottish country dancing
Job Titles:
- Director
- Data Protection Officer
- GDPR Officer
Joining the Board in 2016, Lizzie is now the Data Protection Officer and ensures that…
Lizzie brings with her a wealth of experience in the Health and Social Care sector a
When not working, Lizzie enjoys…
Lynne is one of the Directors elected to the Board in 2022.
Lynne moved to Invermoriston in 2018 when she retired from the Education sector where she worked in Further Education. Retirement has given Lynne the opportunity to get involved locally and she is always busy with community activities. She is Secretary for the Glenmoriston Improvement Group and the Glenmoriston Heritage Group along with Treasurer for the local Gaelic Group.
As an archery coach she is really keen to see an improvement in the Leisure Facilities for the area.
When not doing community work Lynne can be found canal boating, travelling or investigating the local heritage and environment.
Along with Lynne, Michael is one of our newest Directors, joining the company in 2022. Originally from Edinburgh, Michael moved to middle England in his early 20s to pursue his love of all things cars and motorsport related. Finding his calling, he has spent the last 20+ years working with cars and computers. Michael moved to the area in February 2021, setting up a small homestead with his family. In his spare time, Michael enjoys being outside, rowing, football, mountain biking, motorsport, wildlife and bird watching, walking, and spending time with his family.
Ronald joined the Caretakers Team full time in 2016, but previously worked for the community company on a seasonal / temporary contract. Ron has been a groundsman most of his working life, within Lochaber and Inverness-shire districts. He spent many years working the grounds of the Fort Augustus Abbey before joining us.