Richard is the Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Canals. His current remit covers the operational management of the canals; project development and fundraising.

Since joining the organisation in 1999, Richard has worked on a number of high-profile projects, including the Millennium Link, which saw the regeneration of the Lowland Canals as a visitor destination; the development and operation of The Falkirk Wheel; the delivery of North Glasgow’s Pinkston Watersports – Scotland’s first urban watersports centre – and the creation of The Helix and The Kelpies.

Graham has canoed and kayaked since age ten and been involved with Drumchapel and Clydebank Kayak Club for 30 years, coaching and leading on rivers, sea and lochs. He has a  background in chemical engineering, project management,and runs a natural healthcare business. He helps develop grant funding opportunities for many of the organisations he supports. He has paddled at Pinkston since it opened in 2014 and  joined the board in April 2020.

Dougie has had a long career in Outdoor Education with particular interest in supporting young people who have experienced significant trauma.  He’s been kayaking, canoeing and white water rafting on Rivers and the Sea for over 40 years.  He has a particular interest in Safety and Rescue.  Dougie has played a key role in developing the training in the UK for river leadership and safety awards delivered by The British Canoeing Awarding Body including white water safety.

Senior Curriculum Manager at Glasgow Kelvin College is key to the strong partnership between the college and Pinkston.  John has a lifetime love of watersports – and in fact all outdoor sports.  John being heavily involved in education helps link new adventure students to employment and volunteering opportunities at Pinkston.  He very much enjoys supporting and giving back to our community.

Catherine has been involved with paddlesports since she was 9!  Her love of the sport ensured she volunteered and managed paddlesport events, married a paddler – and brought up two paddlers as well.  She has been involved with Pinkston since it’s inception and is a staunch supporter with strong links to competitive slalom.  As an IT specialist for 30 years, Catherine brings a wealth of experience to the Board.

Nichola is an English qualified solicitor, specialising in property & environmental law for 20+ years.  Moving to Scotland with her family in 2018, her son discovered a passion for canoe slalom.  Nichola recognises the benefits of paddling on both physical and mental health and is delighted to be able to support Pinkston.  She sees the partnerships across the disciplines and with our local clubs and educators as fundamental to the success and future of engaging young people to benefit from Pinkston.

Mark has been paddling for about 30 years on and off, his first trip was an expedition on the Zambezi river.  These days are less adventurous although he still paddles white water, sea kayaks and plays polo from time to time. He joined the Board of Directors due to a keen interest in Pinkston and the work the facility does for the paddling community and the young people of Springburn and Glasgow.

Michelle has worked for Scottish Water and its predecessor, East of Scotland Water, for over 20 years, holding various HR, Change Management, and Project Management roles. Passionate about helping people be their best at work, Michelle is inspired by Scottish Water’s strategic ambitions and commitment to community engagement. She is excited to support Pinkston’s efforts to involve the local community and youth groups in outdoor water activities, believing in the health and wellbeing benefits and the opportunities for building confidence, new connections and skills.  She likes a wee paddle and outdoor swimming now and then, and loves it even more when joined by her partner and two black labs, Harris and Roo