A FOUNDING board member of Staffin Community Trust has stepped down after more than 30 years of service.
Angus Ross from Ellishadder has attended and contributed to hundreds of board meetings in that time since SCT came into being in 1994 and was a real driving force for the organisation, along with fellow founder Donald MacDonald, Glasphein.
The very first SCT meeting was at the home of Stewart Clark in Stenscholl on November 2 1994. Stewart, a former board member and respected secretary, was present along with Donald and Angus. Lachie Gillies and Richard Emery, who have both now sadly passed away, were also at the historic meeting.
SCT was the very first development trust to be established in Skye. It came into being as local people were increasingly alarmed at a lack of investment in the community and the loss of young people and families from Staffin, amidst the only recorded population fall in the island in the 1991 Census.
Angus was SCT's long-serving treasurer and put in a huge amount of work and commitment behind the scenes which was integral to the organisation being run professionally and being able to deliver large and small projects for the community's benefit. "I was a founding member so it’s accurate to say that I’ve been the longest serving trustee, " said the retired secondary and primary school teacher.
Angus stepped down at the recent AGM but is heartened by the new blood coming onto the board, in Iain MacInnes from Garafad, and with another new potential member interested in joining soon.
He said a strong and committed set of directors is crucial for SCT's continued impact in Staffin.
"What motivated me was a desire to make a significant contribution to the community, which Staffin Community Trust has certainly done with many varied projects over the years,' Angus said. "A great deal of money has been spent on community projects which wouldn’t have happened otherwise. Highlands and Islands Enterprise have been great supporters and Highland Council has been helpful but the local voluntary contribution has been key to the considerable success of SCT.
"Local people do make a difference, so if anyone wants to become part of an effective team then SCT will welcome you."
At the AGM, Calum MacDonald became SCT's new chairman and he was also delighted that Iain joined the board.
Iain initially worked in chemistry research in both America and Scotland before embarking on a teaching career in Africa. He was also an active member of the teachers union, the EIS. More here: https://skyeecomuseum.co.uk/wh...
The new board now consists of Calum, Maggie Ross, Ged Poland, Andrew Whitehead and Iain.