Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland Team

I studied environmental science at Stirling University and have worked for many years in conservation, with a particular focus on access management, including hands-on building, training, and project management. I am an SQA assessor and verifier, and have completed the Institute of Directors – Leadership for Change training.

Training is a passion: nothing is more rewarding than people you’ve brought on progressing in the industry. To see our training course graduates out working on the hill, setting up their own companies or beginning their careers in countryside conservation, and still in the business years later is just brilliant.

I was born and brought up in Dunvegan, in the North West of the Isle of Skye. I attended Portree High School and after a brief time away from the island to pursue further education, I returned to Skye where I now live with my family.

I have worked for many years in the local community in people-centred roles within the NHS as well as in a number of local established companies. Most recently, I worked as an Early Years Practitioner in the Local Primary School, having completed a number of intensive courses in conjunction with The University of Edinburgh as part of my Continued Personal Development (CPD) whilst working in the post.

I spent all school holidays working in the thriving and ever-developing tourism and hospitality industry of the island which has given me a wealth of experience which will be invaluable in my role as Manger of the Fairy Pools Facility.

I have a broad and varied experience through my adult working life in the roles I have held around the island and have gained a knowledge and understanding of the tourism industry and providing infrastructure as well as information.

I have always recognised the importance of learning new skills, I am good at multi-tasking and enjoy new challenges, I would say being a mum of three has helped me fine-tune all of the above! I love meeting new people, as well as being passionate about Skye and its precious environment, so combining these elements with OATS is ideal.

In my spare time I like nothing better than grabbing my own walking boots, Alfie my cocker spaniel and heading off to explore Skye’s walking trails and landscapes to blow away the cobwebs. But sometimes…just sometimes….a large bar of chocolate and a good cup of coffee can have a similar effect! A combination is just perfect!

I spent many years as an upland footpath builder and also have experience in forestry management and construction.

I grew up in Inverness where I still reside. This gives me excellent access to some of Scotland’s finest locations, where I regularly go walking, climbing, mountain biking and running. As well as spending quality time in the outdoors I am also a member of the Kintail Mountain Rescue Team.

Helping to conserve Scotland’s wonderous natural beauty is what drives me to do this job.

I have always been drawn to nature, it is why I completed an HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management course at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Since 2022, I have actively contributed to the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland through path maintenance volunteering. I am also a path adoptee in the Adopt A Path scheme.

As a keen mountain biker, I gained MTB Leader qualifications in 2016, and regularly lead mountain bike groups in various outdoor environments. I enjoy working at numerous cycling events and participating in improving and maintaining local mountain bike trails and path networks.

With a degree in Visual Design and Communication from Perth College UHI, a previous managerial position in a coffee roastery, and my passion for mountaineering, I have a good blend of experience from various sectors.

I am originally from the Czech Republic. In 2005, I moved to the UK and worked with horses in England (and Greece) before heading to Scotland in 2008 where I settled. Now I live in Perthshire, just outside Blairgowrie. This location has the big advantage of easy access to the great outdoors. I enjoy being out in the hills in all sorts of weather and conditions and find satisfaction in long-distance and challenging adventures, the so called “type 2 fun” activities …

I am thrilled to be part of the OATS team, combining my love for the natural environment with my dedication to making a difference in conservation.

As a seasonal car park operative my work onsite involved providing a service to our patrons, providing information, safe parking, maintaining the toilet facilities, assisting with vehicle breakdowns and being a safe point of contact. The staff team also help maintain the environment, keeping it litter and waste-free, giving advice to the patrons regarding animals and livestock on the Glen and asking them to use the footpath and viewpoints.

Working at the Fairy Pools is amazing as you are in one of Skye’s hotspots. There is a great buzz and you meet people from all over the world. You can also face challenges here too but we work as a team and manage it together. I especially love the fact that the job holds freedom and variety, and I am outdoors with the most spectacular views.

In my job I get to help people with parking, assist visitors with any problems or queries they might have and help in any way I can. As part of the staff team at the Fairy Pools we also maintain the environment in this beautiful area, litter picking the path as well as the carpark area, stocking and cleaning the facility as well as guiding and advising visitors to the footpath. We get to see it in brilliant sunshine as well as in extreme weather, it never loses its beauty.

I have worked at the Fairy Pools for the past four years. I am away at University throughout the year then come back to work over the summer. I have worked there through many developments like the toilets being built and getting ticket machines. So, I have seen how the money is being used to develop the site and how far it has come since it was first built.

It is a very rewarding job. You meet people who have travelled from all over the world to enjoy the beauty of Skye and get to help them enjoy their holiday to the fullest. Its lovely to meet people of all ages who have come from far and wide to experience the beauty of the Fairy Pools. I also get to enjoy being outdoors, the view of the Fairy Pools every day which never gets old, even in the rain!

One of the aspects I love, and think is very important about the job, is the environmental side. It is important to us to maintain the path to protect the surrounding ground from erosion as there is such a large amount of foot fall. We also do regular litter picks to keep it clean, and free of litter to preserve the area’s natural beauty. Also, as there is such a large number of visitors, we work hard to ensure the safety of everyone and are always on hand to help if there are vehicle breakdowns or first aid is required.