Our SCIO is governed by 9 trustees, all residents of our community. Our trustees apply their wide-ranging skills, life perspective and local knowledge to actively manage the trust to the benefit of Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry.

Sharon Donald, Chair

My name is Sharon Donald, I moved to Scotland 37 years ago and have lived in Roy Bridge with my husband Brian and our three border collies for 12 years. I now work as an administrator but my career was as a Graphic Designer, I was part of the Braes Magazine team for ten years.

My hobbies include showing my dogs, walking and photography and recently gardening.

Melvyn Giles, Vice Chairman

Melvyn Giles was born in Luton (less said the better) and is married to Louise (a Fifer) and they have two daughters and a son. Educated at Bristol and Glasgow Universities in geology and chemistry. Melvyn joined Shell Research in Rijswijk (Netherlands) as a research geologist and spent most of his career in R&D ultimately leading a large research department split between Rijswijk and Houston (Texas). Also worked as a team leader in the North Sea, building a new business in unconventional oil and gas outside North America and as Head of Strategy for International Unconventional Oil and Gas.

After looking for a plot to build a house on, they landed on Achnabobane in 2012, which was finally completed in August 2016 The design and build taught them a tremendous amount about energy efficiency and renewables, not least that there’s not enough wind at our site for a wind turbine! Melvyn was a director of Lochaber Geopark before working on the inception and development of the Scottish Geological Trust, becoming its first chairman.

Valerie Steele, Treasurer

Val has been a resident of Inverroy for the past 5 years. She lives with her husband Scott and her grandson Kai. Although Val was born and educated in Glasgow, her family heritage lies in the Highlands & Islands

Much of Val’s working life was in Glasgow, developing and delivering qualifications in Holistic Therapies. Thereafter, for more than 10 years she worked in The Scottish Borders teaching English as a second language in secondary and primary education. Val has extensive experience working with young people and families, having dedicated over 40 years working with NGOs to promote humanistic values and global citizenship. Now semi-retired, she enjoys welcoming guests to her holiday lets and supporting her family.

Ian Langley, Secretary

Ian moved to Inverroy with his late wife, Irene, in 2014 from Devon. Originally a Kentish Man he has since lived in many parts of the UK as a result of serving with 3 Fire Brigades and with HM Coastguard.

Since moving to Scotland Ian has become involved with many organisations, including the Royal British Legion, West Highland Community Rail Partnership, Lochaber Town Pipe Band, The Men’s Shed, Glenfinnan Station Museum, Invergarry Railway Museum, Cruise Ship Visits, Tour Guiding and Nevis Community Radio where he is both a Director and Presenter.

Brian Smith

Following a long career in the electronics industry, Brian moved to the area in 2017 and currently lives in Inverroy. He is a keen golfer and is currently the secretary of Spean Bridge Golf Club. Other interests include walking, furniture making, and DIY.

He has been an active member and trustee of the SCIO since 2019.

Margaret Horner

I’m from Lochaber and lived beside the BP petrol station, at Lochy Bridge, where my parents worked. After attending Edinburgh and Glasgow Universities I returned to Lochaber High School as a biology teacher. I taught around schools in Scotland before I retired back to Highbridge in 2016.

Charlotte Hatto

Charlotte is a qualified yoga teacher with a background in science, with particular interest in environmental issues.

Charlotte was born and brought up in the SE of England. She and husband Peter moved to Roy Bridge over 10 years ago, via Suffolk, Lancashire and Co Durham. The latter being where they raised their two children on a 10-acre smallholding in the Durham Dales, where they lived for over 30 years. Her scientific training (BSc, MSc) led to her interest in environmental issues. Other interests include textiles, gardening and a variety of outdoor activities.

Joanna Kotula

Joanna moved to the UK at the age of 18, looking for new challenges and an adventure. She pursued a Masters degree in Global Business Analysis at the University of Manchester and focused on her career in Aerospace. She has progressive experience at the UK’s leading multinational aviation companies and is currently a Vice President of Sales & Marketing at one of them. She’s responsible for securing, negotiating and drafting commercial & defence contracts.

After living in many places in the UK and abroad, driven by the love of the mountains and countryside, Joanna and her partner decided to settle in Spean Bridge. In 2023, they started their family with a little boy and now are expecting a second child. In their free time, they enjoy family hikes with their two dogs.

Rik Eppens

Tony Perriam – Community Development Officer

An ex-Black Watch soldier and chartered surveyor, Tony was appointed as our part-time Community Development Officer in February 2022 on a contract recently extended until December 2025. 

Outside his work for the SCIO, Tony is an Employment Tribunal member in Inverness and Aberdeen, and a Trustee of the Officers’ Association Scotland.