COLUMBA 1400
Board of Trustees
Our trustees support Columba 1400’s work through good governance.
Alan Porter
Trustee
Alan Porter - Trustee
Alan is a highly experienced accountant and has spent much of his career in private equity backed SMEs.
Following the successful sale of Arch Sciences in 2021, Alan spent some time as an independent consultant in the third sector, working with The Hunter Foundation and, latterly, as interim finance manager at Columba 1400.
Alan was delighted to be asked to become a Trustee and continue his involvement with Columba 1400 with a focus on aspects of financial governance.
Alan lives in Glasgow with his two daughters.
Anton Colella
Trustee
Anton Colella - Trustee
Anton is Global Chief Executive of Moore. He was previously Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) for over ten years, where he led its transformation. For seven of those years, he was Chairman of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), one of the world’s leading institutes representing over one million accountants. He is a Trustee of Columba 1400 and a Visiting Professor of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde.
Earlier in his career, Anton was Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority. He has been a Trustee of the International Valuation Standards Council, a Council Member of the Confederation of British Industry Scotland (CBI) and Chairman of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS).
A graduate of the University of Stirling, Anton’s career began as a teacher of Religious Education.
He is married with four children, four grandsons, and two granddaughters.
David Ogilvy
Trustee
David Ogilvy - Trustee
David is a Partner with Turcan Connell where he heads up the Dispute Resolution and Employment Law Department and has management responsibility within Turcan Connell for risk and regulatory compliance.
He previously served a term as Chairman of the Employment Tribunal and he is a panel member hearing appeals before the Police Appeal Tribunal. He is currently completing a term on the Board of Examiners of the Law Society of Scotland.
He sits on the board of governors of an independent school and has previously held board appointments with a college of further education and Leuchie House, which is a charity offering respite to people with multiple sclerosis.
David has two children and his main interests are cycling, walking and gardening.
Jamie Livingston
Chair
Jamie Livingston - Chair
Jamie is the CEO and Chair of Livingston James Group, a portfolio of boutique Executive Search & Leadership Advisory businesses launched in 2010. The group has two specialist brands: Livingston James (Executive Search & Leadership Advisory) and Rutherford Cross (Finance Recruitment). Prior to setting up the business, his early career was spent in the UK & Ireland with Hays and then Michael Page (Page Group).
Beyond his professional career Jamie is Regional Chair for The Wooden Spoon Society, a rugby charity focussed on supporting disadvantaged young people. He also plays a supporting role to his wife, Chloe, in ‘Project Present’ and ‘Back to school packs’ – community initiatives that they co-founded in partnership with their Church and local authorities in the west of Scotland to provide resources and support to young people in the local community.
He and Chloe live in Glasgow with their two children and Australian Labradoodle ‘Rocky’.
Jessica Chappelle
Young Person Consultant
Jessica Chappelle - Young Person Consultant
This new role has been created to champion the voice of young people so that their views are at the heart of all decisions made by the board.
Jessica took part in our Young People's Leadership Academy in 2016. She is studying psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University, whilst also working part time and doing voluntary work.
She says: "I'm really excited to be a part of this new chapter for Columba 1400 and to have the opportunity to take on this role. It is already an amazing organisation and through adding myself and Marysia [our other Young Person Consultant] to the board they are making it even better, by saying that they value young people's opinions, and they want to listen to us."
Jessica lives at home with her parents, two younger sisters and golden retriever Aoife.
In her spare time, she loves reading, spending time with friends, going to concerts and listening to Taylor Swift.
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Judith MacKay
Trustee
Judith MacKay - Trustee
With 30 years’ experience of media, Judith was previously Director of Communications, Engagement and Public Affairs at NHS Lothian where she provided internal and external communications advice and strategies to help the NHS serve its community. Judith has a background in journalism, spending over 20 years at the BBC where she was a former Editor of BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland. She has worked as a TV producer, director and series editor making news programmes and current affairs documentaries based in Scotland, London and the USA. Judith is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Kodie Stewart
Young Person Consultant
Kodie Stewart - Young Person Consultant
Kodie took part in a Young People’s Leadership Academy in 2021.
She is currently studying sports coaching and human anatomy and is planning to train as a police officer next year. She also works part time at Basketball Scotland as a coach.
She is delighted to continue her journey with Columba 1400 as a Young Person’s Consultant and can’t wait to give other young people the opportunity to carry on their journeys with Columba 1400!
Kodie lives at home with her parents, younger sister and brother, and her sausage dog Koko. In her spare time, she likes to go for cold water therapy, play sports and run.
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Michael Donaldson
Trustee
Michael James Donaldson - Trustee
Mike lives in St Andrews with his wife and three children. As the Executive Chairman of James Donaldson & Sons Ltd, he is the sixth generation to work for the business which was established in 1860. After starting out on the shop floor, he has now worked for the three largest companies in the Donaldson Group. He graduated from Robert Gordon University with a BA (Hons) in Business Studies in 2002. He also studied at Napier University, becoming one of the first to gain an MSc in Timber Industry Management in 2007. Currently a Director of the James Donaldson & Sons Group of companies, Mike sits on the Governing Board of the Timber Trade Federation.
COLUMBA 1400
Staff Team
Alex Matheson
Head Chef
Alex Matheson - Head Chef
Alex was brought up on the Isle of Skye and trained to be a chef in his hometown of Portree. He then moved to the central belt and studied design, before moving back to Skye in 2007. He joined the Columban team in 2008 and is now in the process of buying his first home.
Allyson Dobson
Tutor
Allyson Dobson - Tutor
Allyson began her career as a teacher of chemistry and science at Broughton High School, Edinburgh. Her professional journey has taken her through a range of roles in the Lothians, including assistant principal teacher of science at Musselburgh Grammar School, principal teacher of chemistry at Forrester High School and depute head teacher at Portobello High School. She also enjoyed a two year secondment to Learning and Teaching Scotland from 2008 to 2010. Part of this secondment involved Allyson working as a professional advisor to Scottish Government.
Allyson recently retired from her post as head teacher of Dalkeith High School, a post she held for seven years, and now has more time to enjoy her hobbies of walking, reading and cooking. She was presented with the award for Head Teacher of the Year at the Scottish Education Awards in June 2022.
Andrew Whitehead
Strategic Operations Facilitator
Andrew Whitehead - Acting Strategic Operations Facilitator
Andrew first encountered Columba 1400 in 2015, when he participated in a Young People's Leadership Academy. Born in Perth, he moved to Skye in 2012 and volunteered with the team in 2018 as part of a school work experience placement. Since then, he has steadily worked across all areas of the organisation. He has worked in our social enterprise café, administration, facilitation, events, maintenance, finance and operations.
In 2024, he graduated with a 1st class honours degree in Business and Management from the University of the Highlands and Islands (which he did alongside working for Columba 1400) and continues to bring this knowledge to his current role with professionalism and thoughtfulness.
Andrew leads on the coordination of our Head Teachers' Leadership Academies – working with senior education professionals across Scotland, and helps manage and deliver leadership academies for young people and the key adults in their lives, supporting behind-the-scenes logistics, liaising with tutors, and ensuring every detail of each programme is handled with care.
Andrew’s interests outside of work include restoring old vehicles, travelling, photography, and spending time outdoors. He was also a key team member in the recent Trotternish Ridge Challenge, a 37km hike celebrating Columba 1400’s 25th anniversary and raising funds for our future.
Anna Grelewska
Administrator
Anna Grelewska - Administrator
Anna is originally from Poland. She moved to Scotland in 2006 with the intention to go back to her home country after five years, but she fell in love with Scottish hospitality, sights and food and decided to stay a bit longer.
Anna has a master’s degree in Polish Philology. Her childhood dream was to be a teacher but she chose a different path whilst in Scotland and studied Administration and IT at Edinburgh College.
Anna has been with Columba 1400 since August 2022 and loves being a part of an organisation which focuses on young people, families and those around them.
She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, two sons, cat, hamsters and African snail!
In her spare time she likes to read and explore the great outdoors.
Catriona Nicolson
Facilitator
Catriona Nicolson - Facilitator
Catriona has lived in Skye all her life, she is married with two grown-up boys. While the boys were growing up she worked as a hairdresser, waitress and a care assistant.
Catriona worked with the charity Blythswood Care as a shop coordinator. In this role she enjoyed visiting schools to speak about the shoe box appeal. She also worked as a project manager doing market research with Farmers in England.
Catriona left an admin job with the NHS to join the Columba 1400 team in Nov 2018.
In her spare time, she goes walking, plays with her Cocker Spaniel and enjoys gardening.
Christina McLeod
Kitchen
Christina McLeod - Kitchen
Christina was born and grew up in Skye. Christina worked as an au pair in Canada for a number of years, before coming back to Skye. She worked in Early Childhood Education till joining Columba in 2020. Christina lives in Staffin with her husband and their two cats Maisy and Millie.
Drew Drummond
Head of Engagement
Drew Drummond - Head of Engagement
Drew Drummond is highly regarded for his coaching and interpersonal skills work. His experience spans from the corporate sector supporting a range of different executives and teams in leadership development, to the not-for-profit sector with Columba 1400 and the public sector working with a number of Local Authorities across Scotland.
These experiences combined with a wide range of networks have helped him and those with whom he works to realise the importance of values led leadership.
An accredited Mediator with a postgraduate diploma in HR Management, Drew uses the structure and framework of Mediation to create a comfortable and confidential setting and environment. This enables Drew to listen and to challenge individuals and teams to consider their relationships and ongoing Leadership style and contributions from a values base towards creating both brand and culture. Drew’s passion for Leadership and considered perspectives provides a creative approach of eliciting potential within, as opposed to analysing and refining pre-existing models.
In his role of Head of Engagement, Drew will focus on cultivating and strengthening strong, effective, and responsive relationships with our key existing and future partners. He will also be responsible for identifying, sourcing, and fostering new business development opportunities, managing these from initial contact through to long-term partnership.
Graham Hyndman
Partnership Facilitator
Graham Hyndman - Partnership Facilitator
Graham joined Columba 1400 as Partnership Facilitator in June, 2026. He has been involved in youth work from a young age, beginning as a participant and progressing into volunteering by the age of 14 before developing a career in the sector.
With a background in sports coaching gained through the Renfrewshire School of Sports education programme, Graham’s first employment was in coaching and youth work environments. He went on to work in the east end of Glasgow for a family support centre, first as a Youth Development Worker, developing and delivering programmes for young people, and later as Project Manager, leading the strategic and operational delivery of the organisation.
For more than a decade, Graham has supported young people and families to grow in confidence and realise their potential, and has led residential experiences across Scotland and internationally, including in Ireland, France, and South Africa.
Graham is a firm believer that every young person has the potential to shine and succeed when given the right support.
Outside of work, Graham enjoys spending time outdoors and taking part in a wide range of sports, currently focusing on being a distinctively average golf and padel player!
Jenny Watson
Tutor
Jenny Watson - Tutor
Jenny began her career as a Primary Teacher in a small rural school in Aberdeenshire. Over her 40 year career, she has enjoyed teaching in several different settings, including two years in Borneo and leading a high profile literacy project in Aberdeen.
Jenny was Head Teacher at Middleton Park School for five years during which time the school was named TES Creative School of the Year.
Jenny was part of the Curriculum Innovation Team with Education Scotland and then returned to a school community as Head Teacher at Dyce School in Aberdeen.
Throughout her career, Jenny has always been passionate about pupil leadership and outdoor learning.
Jenny graduated from the Head Teacher's Leadership Academy in 2017 and describes it as the most powerful professional and personal experience and is now delighted to be part of the team.
Jenny is also enjoying her retirement and particularly loving lots of outdoor expeditions!
Jim Howe
Delivery Manager
Jim Howe - Delivery Manager: Place-Based Young People
Jim joined the Columba 1400 team in August 2018 having previously worked in sales with William Grant and Whyte and Mackay. Since his big change in career, Jim has absolutely loved witnessing the positive changes in young people when they work alongside Columba 1400 as well as the variety and fun involved when working with young people. He is passionate about what we do and has recently enjoyed bringing Leadership Academies to young people in their communities.
Jim lives in Edinburgh with his wife Julia and son James. They can often be found exploring the food on offer in the city. Jim loves football and has had season tickets at Celtic Park for many years, where he goes with his dad come rain or shine. He is very lucky to have travelled much of the world and can’t wait to do more of this with his family moving forward.
John Christie
Tutor
John Christie - HTLA Tutor
John taught Religious and Moral Education in schools in Scotland and England before joining the Education Directorate in Stockport. He then worked as an Assistant and Depute Director of Education in Tayside and was appointed the first Director of Education for the Scottish Borders. During that time he held several ministerial appointments and non-executive board positions on national bodies. He has worked as an education consultant in the UK for 20 years providing support and advice in the public sector. He helped to develop the Virtual Staff College Scotland for ADES from its inception in 2002 and worked as its part-time Director until 2016.
For ten years he worked closely with Norman Drummond on a residential leadership programme for senior members of the education directorates in Scotland as well as senior health and social care staff and civil servants.
He lives in St Andrews and is married with two daughters, and three grandsons.
Jonathan Godfrey
Partnerships Facilitator
Jonathan Godfrey - Partnerships Facilitator
Jon began working with young people in his late teens - volunteering in his local area and on residential summer camps. In 2002 Jon began working full time in youth and children's work and moved to Glasgow from his home city of Derby. Jon spent five years working for The Salvation Army as a Divisional Youth Officer for West Scotland. He then became a residential support worker with a local council, working with children and young people before later taking on a role to develop their Champions Board. Jon joined Columba 1400 in January 2020.
Karen MacDonald
Administrator
Karen MacDonald - Administrator
Karen started working with Columba 1400 when she was still at school, working as a housekeeper at the weekends. She moved onto reception after leaving school in 2004, then lived in Edinburgh for a few years where she worked at Murrayfield Rugby Stadium. She moved back to Skye in 2009, re-joining Columba in 2016 after a spell working in a hotel in Portree. She is now a busy administrator based at our centre in Staffin. Karen has two sons, Lewis and Ruaraidh. When she has free time, Karen loves reading and catching up with her friends and on the odd occasion going out for dinner and drinks with them.
Karen Robertson
Finance Assistant
Karen Robertson - Finance Assistant
Karen joins us from Dew Products where she worked in accounts and admin for the company. She previously spent 10 years in an administration role with Dundee Rep’s Creative Learning Department. Karen has had a varied career including Artistic Director for the Sunday Post Magazine as well as running her own craft business in Dundee.
Katie Wilson
Strategic Operations Facilitator
Katie Wilson - Strategic Operations Facilitator
Katie's first experience of Columba was as a young person back in 2005 with her Ayrshire school Cumnock Academy. She says: "Since then Columba has inspired my attitude towards work and life in general. I originally was a young ambassador, I studied Sports Biomedicine at Dundee University, then laterally went to Glasgow Caledonian University to study Cosca Counselling. When I was a young ambassador I realised my passion for working with people and helping them realise their potential, as well as supporting them on that journey. So it was at this moment I knew that Columba 1400 was the right place for me to start my full time working career."
Katie loves spending time crafting or out walking with her husband, young daughter and beloved Springer Spaniel Izzy.
Laura MacDonald
Facilitator
Laura MacDonald - Facilitator
Leah Dobbs
Partnership Facilitator
Leah Dobbs - Partnership Facilitator
Leah joined the Columba 1400 team shortly after completing both her undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Educational Studies. Her degrees focused on the importance of young people having access to additional support to thrive in life, regardless of background or schooling. This led to her finding Columba 1400 and pursuing her dream of helping young people. Working with us has given Leah the opportunity to help young people realise their full potential, and an opportunity to connect with young people on a personal level, which she loves! Leah also has a keen interest in educational policy.
Outside of work, Leah is a competitive Ultimate Frisbee player. She competed in the World Ultimate Club Championships 2022 in Ohio, Cincinatti and made it onto the Women's Great Britain's Indoor training squad in 2022. This year she has taken on the role of Spirit Captain in her elite Scottish Women's team, SCRAM. If you're wondering what on earth Ultimate Frisbee is, Leah is always excited to tell people about the expanding sport!
Linda Brown
Tutor
Linda Brown - HTLA Tutor
Linda started her teaching career in Glasgow, teaching chemistry and maths. However, her love of getting out of the city at the weekends and up into the hills brought her to live and work permanently in the Highlands and Moray.
During her teaching career she taught in several schools where pupils and staff participated in Columba 1400 Young People’s Leadership Academies. She found the difference Columba 1400 made to many of her young people’s confidence, self-esteem and just being able to recognise their potential was incredible. Presently, as part of the Columba 1400 team of HTLA facilitators, Linda feels it is a privilege to work alongside colleagues and participants on their leadership journeys.
Although not climbing so many Munros nowadays, Linda still lives in the Highlands and continues to enjoy keeping fit. She is often accompanied by her cocker spaniel – Douglas. Her other hobbies including cooking, reading, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.
Louise MacLeod
Housekeeper
Louise MacLeod - Housekeeper
Mairi Gillies
Administrator
Mairi Gillies - Administrator
Mairi was brought up on the Isle of Skye and started working in the weekends and holidays for Columba 1400 when she was 16. She left Skye for a year to study fashion and textiles in Glasgow, but city life wasn’t for her – she moved home the following year and has been with Columba 1400 ever since. In her spare time, Mairi enjoys crocheting, crafts, music, films and reading.
Maria Nicolson
Front of House
Maria Nicolson - Front of House
Maria is originally from Glasgow but has lived on the Isle of Skye since 1997. She joined Columba 1400 in 2006 as part of the housekeeping team before moving to the cafe full-time. When not at work Maria enjoys spending time with her family, reading and knitting.
Marie Clare Tully
Chief Executive
Marie Clare - Chief Executive
Marie Clare previously worked at Social Ventures Australia, one of Australia's most successful and respected not-for-profit organisations. She served as Chair of SiMBA, a charity supporting bereaved parents affected by the loss of a baby at any stage during pregnancy by creating memories, trees of tranquillity, family rooms and support groups. She also served on The Promise Partnership Advisory Group, a £4m commitment from the Scottish Government to provide holistic support for people with experience of the ‘care system’ so that every child grows up loved, safe, respected and able to realise their full potential. #KeepThePromise
Matilda Olai
Facilitator
Matilda Olai - Facilitator
Matilda grew up in the south of Sweden and was an avid reader of fantasy books from an early age. Once she finished high school she decided to go travelling and visited South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. While volunteering for a camel trekking business in Australia she realised her love and passion for the outdoors. That passion brought her to Scotland, where she studied Adventure Education at the University of the Highlands and Islands. In 2021 she graduated with a First-class Honours degree. She is very happy to have become a member of the Columba 1400 team and to now live on the beautiful Isle of Skye. Matilda is passionate about having genuine conversations with young people – she wants to listen to their stories and understand their perspectives of the world and life. In her free time, she still loves a good fantasy book, eating a wide variety (and quantity) of food and being out and about on the hills. She can’t wait to explore the wild, rugged landscapes of Skye on her own two feet. During the summer months, she also loves going for swims in rivers, lochs and the sea.
Michelle Keenan
Head of Operations
Michelle Keenan - Head of Operations
Michelle joined us as partnerships coordinator in July 2022, and became Head of Operations in November 2023.
She brings with her a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience gained from senior management roles in voluntary, general practice and health and social care settings.
Having previously held chief executive officer roles at two successful charities - Edinburgh Headway Group and Lothian Autistic Society - she has experience of working both strategically and operationally, developing new areas of work, building, and maintaining partnerships to achieve collaborative outcomes, and managing risks and finances to ensure the organization is effective and efficient and projects are costed, quality assured and viable for the future.
In the past, she also managed a wide range of projects relating to both general practice and social work education and training.
Michelle is passionate about making a difference and helping others achieve their best and is delighted to be working as part of the Columban team.
In her spare time, Michelle enjoys walking and, having recently moved to East Lothian, feels privileged to have a beautiful coastline to explore and enjoy.
Nicola Brown
Team Leader
Nicola Brown - Team Leader
Nicola joined the facilitation team in September 2012. She is from Glasgow and has worked with young people in various settings since being a young person herself, including local youth clubs and The Boys’ Brigade. Nicola then went on to study Outdoor Education and work as an outdoor instructor after finishing her studies at North Glasgow College.
Island life has always been part of Nicola’s life, as her mum’s family are originally from Islay, so it’s no surprise she ended up living on a Scottish island!
After joining the delivery team as a facilitator, she now looks after the delivery team and enjoys this very much, as well as forming relationships with young people, listening to them, promoting positive behaviours and attitudes and generally chatting and drinking tea with the groups. Exploring and sharing the landscape of this amazing part of Scotland is also something she loves to do with the groups who visit Columba 1400.
Nicola enjoys a whole range of outdoor activities including stand up paddle boarding, hill walking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking.
Norman Drummond
Tutor
Professor Norman Drummond CBE, FRSE - HTLA and FCLA Tutor
Columba 1400 was founded by Professor Norman Drummond CBE, FRSE.
His early experiences in the Parishes of Easterhouse in Glasgow and West Pilton in Edinburgh, followed by Chaplaincies to The Parachute Regiment, The Black Watch, Fettes College and Headmaster of Loretto convinced him of the great need for young people to have time and space to think and discuss amongst themselves and so to begin to demonstrate their undoubted potential for initiative and good citizenship.
Norman created Columba 1400 to extend this concept.
Paul McLaughlin
Tutor
Paul McLaughlin - Tutor
Paul has been head teacher in St Ninian’s High School, Kirkintilloch in East Dunbarton since 2004, having previously held posts in St John Ogilvie High Sschool, Hamilton; Holyrood Secondary School, Glasgow; St Ninian’s High School, East Renfrewshire and St Stephen’s High School, Port Glasgow.
He first graduated at a Columba 1400 Head Teachers' Leadership Academy (HTLA) in 2006 and this experience transformed his view of school leadership. He then facilitated several Young People’s Leadership Academies in his school and encouraged involvement with Columba 1400 for many members of school staff. He graduated again at a HTLA in 2017 and has since then been working as a tutor for the HTLA when time allows.
Paul’s school has embraced all things Columba 1400 and can truly be described as a “Columban School”.
Sarah Philp
Tutor
Sarah Philp - Tutor
Sarah has always been interested in change, improvement and growth. As an educational psychologist she has supported children and young people, families, schools and communities to grow and improve in ways that are important to them.
In her role as principal educational psychologist Sarah has worked as part of the extended leadership team at council level and nationally as Director of Learning (Scotland) for Osiris Educational. Sarah now combines her psychological, coaching and facilitation skills as a tutor with Columba 1400.
With family roots on the Isle of Skye, Sarah can often be found on Skye. When not working you'll find her on a yoga mat, sea swimming or running around after her two young nieces.
Sharee MacKerron
Tutor
Sharee MacKerron - HTLA Tutor
Sharee is an experienced former Head Teacher, Senior Leader and teacher who has worked in schools for more than 30 years. She cares deeply about young people and their development and is fuelled by compassion, curiosity and kindness to try to live a life true to her soul.
She says: " I owe a great deal to colleagues and young people who made my experience and learning extraordinary in many ways. I feel privileged to be able to continue to serve others through my role as a Head Teacher Leadership Academy Tutor."
Stacey Campbell
Centre Manager
Stacey Campbell - Centre Manager
Stacey Campbell has worked at Columba 1400 since 2008 in various roles throughout the organisation and is currently in post as centre manager.
Stacey is from Staffin and lives close by with her husband Pop and son Chisolm.
Stacey enjoys walking with her dog in the local area and pottering around in the garden.
Stephanie Fox
Communications Manager
Stephanie Fox - Communications Manager
Stephanie joins us from Mary's Meals where she worked in the communications team for three years.
Prior to that she worked in the marketing and communications teams in the nutrition and publishing sectors, including ten years at the BBC where she was lucky enough to work alongside some of our national treasures including Sir David Attenborough and Sir Terry Wogan.
Stephanie is also a published writer - with her travel features appearing in publications including Marie Claire, The Sunday Telegraph, Traveller Magazine and The Mail on Sunday.
When she's not working Stephanie loves to spend time with her husband and young daughter and can often be found paddle boarding or swimming in the Scottish lochs.
Stephanie is based in Glasgow.
Four facts about Steph
Her favourite snack is hummus and crisps.
Her favourite animals are cats.
Her favourite film is Bridget Jones's Diary.
The person she admires most in the world is her best friend.
Victoria Fox
Head of Finance
Victoria Fox - Head of Finance
Victoria joined Columba 1400 as Head of Finance in April 2024 having previously worked at Skyscanner and in global manufacturing.
A Chartered Accountant with over 15 years in senior leadership roles, Victoria brings a wealth of experience working both strategically and operationally in organisations to deliver financial leadership, control, and long-term planning.
Victoria is delighted to be working as part of the Columban team where she is passionate about the purpose and actively contributing to delivering change.
Victoria lives in Glasgow with her husband, two sons and Red Fox Labrador.
Willie Wight
Tutor
Willie Wight - Tutor
Willie is a graduate of Columba 1400 from 2007. He claims that this experience was the most significant professional development in his entire career. Willie has been a tutor with Columba 1400 since March 2017 supporting both the HTLA and the YPLA programmes.
Willie was born and educated in Easterhouse. He studied physical education at Jordanhill College before embarking on a teaching career with Glasgow City Council. His passion for working with young people and teaching sustained 41 years continuous service to families in Glasgow. He retired in January 2017 as Head Teacher of Hillhead High School.
Love for his family, sport, travelling, music and fun are what drives him. Helping and supporting others gives him purpose.
Yvonne Binks
Partnership Manager
Yvonne Binks - Partnership Manager
Yvonne is the Delivery Manager with responsibility for leading Columba 1400’s work within the Young People’s Residential Leadership Academies.
As a graduate from both the Young People’s Leadership Academy and the Headteacher’s Leadership Academy she is passionate about how values-based leadership helps young people recognise their potential and unlock their strength so that they can make a difference in their own lives and in their communities.
Yvonne considers it a privilege to work with young people and their families. She has extensive experience in education in a variety of roles within Pupil Support, Inclusion and Additional Support Needs. Prior to joining Columba 1400 she was Depute Head Teacher for 12 years at Preston Lodge High School. Within her career Yvonne has been seconded as Regional Officer within Scottish Government’s Positive Behaviour Team and as Quality Improvement Officer.