The Sunart Community Company has a board of members drawn from Strontian and the surrounding areas. Members include a mix of those born and bred in the region, as well as people who have chosen to move to Sunart from other parts of the UK. Together, they bring a varied blend of skills and experiences, which are channelled to the wider benefit of all those living, working and visiting Sunart.
The Board includes:
James Hilder: Treasurer
James has spent 20 years in Scotland working to develop and support social enterprises at local, regional and national level. He works as a consultant in the sector, runs training programmes for the Social Enterprise Academy around the UK and internationally, is also a Trustee of Foundation Scotland and Urram SCIO, but much prefers to be out fishing and mucking about in boats.
John Jones: Secretary
John has been visiting Strontian since 2000, becoming a permanent resident in 2013. He has been a member of the Community Council for ten years. Now retired, John previously worked in central government for 42 years, including 20 years in professional, management training and development.
Paul Sharples: Chair
Over 30 years experience in telecommunications as an engineer, design authority and project manager has taught me many transferable skills to apply when representing the community in creating a wonderful place to live and work in the Western Highlands
Laura Cameron MacGregor: Director
Laura was brought up on the Morvern peninsula, she left for university to Aberdeen, taught in a variety of schools before returning to Sunart 14 years later with her husband and 2 daughters.
Laura is a teacher, crofter and has two self-catering properties – she likes to keep busy! She understands small communities and is keen to make sure all feel welcomed and heard.
Rowena Henderson: Director
Rowena moved to Strontain four years ago with her husband (teacher) and two dogs (husky, collie). She’s a Jeweller, also works in the local library and is expecting a baby boy in the new year. Rowena loves the community spirit of the place, which helped her during lockdowns – all of which is what attracted her to join the SCC. She’s now looking forwards to raising her wee one in such a great place – that is when she’s not wild swimming, canoeing, camping, walking the dogs and enjoying the burgers at the Bothy Bar!
Sarah Traynor: Director
A native of Strontian, Sarah is Chair of Dualchas – Sunart Heritage Group and became a Director on the SCC board in 2024.
Sarah works for NHS Highland as Manager of the Lochaber Care at Home Service and has been employed in Adult Health & Social Care now for 22years. Sarah enjoys quality time with her young family, being outdoors, researching local history and singing with the Gaelic choir Bùrach.
Hollie Taylor: Director
Hollie has lived and worked locally for over 20 years and has previously volunteered for school, cinema and arts promotion projects. She brings previous volunteering and work based skills to the community company board.
Hollie is a fair weather kayaker, all weather dog walker and can also be found tucked away in the croft polytunnel or in her sewing space.
Nick Brooks: Director
Nick joined the Board in 2024, relocating to Strontian after many years living in England. Nick has over 40 years of experience in sales and marketing, having run his own marketing agency working for industrial clients around the world. Today, he is retired and enjoying exploring Sunart, walking, kayaking and studying for a part-time history degree.
Karyn Simpkinson: OakWood Crafts Manager
Karyn moved to Strontian over 8 years ago, leaving behind a career in tax advisory management, to pursue a more stressful life raising a family and chickens. She is on the committee for the community-run West Highland Peninsulas tourist association, and works with our Producers and Volunteers to help ensure visitors experience the very best of where we live.
Annie Harpur: Project Administrator
Annie is our part time coordinator for the men’s-shed/craft hub, with over 18 years’ experience in community development, from being a volunteer herself to project managing community led and Scottish Government led projects, successful fundraising and organising community events. With previous careers in hospitality, the travel industry and civil engineering. In her spare time, you will mostly find her either in her garden or out sailing.
Rebecca Drinkwater: Project Administrator
I’m based in Acharacle, and have a background in marketing and communications. I’m passionate about community projects, which is why I love my role as a project administrator for SCC, helping local initiatives grow. When I’m not working with SCC, I work as a freelance marketing consultant. In my free time you’ll most likely find me exploring the West Highland Peninsulas, either by foot, kayak or paddleboard! I also love swimming in Loch Sunart, rain or shine (or snow!).