New faces at the Gannochy Trust Their knowledge and expertise will assist on board
Perth charity the Gannochy Trust has announced changes to its voluntary board of trustees.
David Gray and Stephen Hay both joined the board in June, while Bruce Renfrew joined following the Trust’s AGM on November 17.
The three new recruits, who all hail from Perthshire, will work alongside chairman Dr James Kynaston, vice-chairman Dr John Markland, Jane Mudd and Ian McMillan.
Mr Gray has a background in accountancy and business development and has held several non-executive positions over the past 15 years.
He is currently the chair of Scottish Water Horizons Limited and is a volunteer with the Prince’s Trust.
Mr Hay, meanwhile, is the vicechair of NHS Tayside Trust and a governor of Strathallan School near Forgandenny.
He has a background in investment banking and is currently self-employed working with PilotLite Ventures and the Good Governance Institute.
Mr Renfrew, the board’s newest recruit, is the local managing partner of Thorntons Law, Perth, with more than 25 years’ experience, and is currently chair of Kinnoull School Parent Council.
Mr Gray commented: “Living as I do in Perthshire, I was aware of the local work of the Gannochy Trust and the diverse nature of their grant-making and property portfolio.
“I have been looking to increase my work in the voluntary sector, and I believe that the Trust is an extremely worthwhile cause to be involved in.”
Mr Hay describes the Gannochy Trust as “Perth’s sovereign wealth fund” in an acknowledgement of the impressive facilities that AK Bell’s legacy has left the city.
He said: “I live very near to the Gannochy estate and walk my dogs in Quarry Mill so experience first-hand just one of the many everyday examples of the Trust’s work in Perth.
“As I looked further into their work I realised just how much we have all benefited from their wonderful contribution to the area.
Dr Kynaston
“It has allowed us, as a local community, to enjoy excellent sporting, cultural and charitable facilities that many other cities of this size can only dream of.”
Fair City-born Mr Renfrew, who was also educated in Perth, revealed a desire to “give something back” through his work with the Trust.
He continued: “The Gannochy Trust has had an incredibly positive influence on Perth and beyond and, as someone who was brought up here, I am fully aware of the great work that it does.
“I now find myself in the fortunate position of being able to play a small part in contributing to the life of the communities we, as a board, serve.”
Chairman Dr Kynaston declared: “The Gannochy Trust will turn 80 years old in 2017 and we remain a lean and efficient organisation, working to the high standards set by our founder, AK Bell.
“It is vital then, that our small, dedicated staff team, led by our chief executive Carol Downie is supported by the trustees.
“We feel exceptionally fortunate to be welcoming such a breadth of expertise and talent to the board.” Stephen Hay, David Gray and Bruce Renfrew