CHAIR

My background is in community development and for the last 30 years I worked as a consultant on equality and diversity issues.

I retired a few years ago and since then I have been active as a board member in a number of organisations including Engender, Community Renewal, ELCAP and the Scottish Women’s Budget Group. I’ve lived in Portobello for 23 years and I love it here.

SECRETARY

Experienced IT professional with almost 20 years in various sectors such as telecoms, finance and public sector.  Main area of expertise is change management.

TREASURER

When I retired, a little over 5 years ago, I knew I wanted to do some voluntary work. I also knew that, after 30-odd years as an accountant in financial services, I did not want to be a charity’s money person. And up until now that’s exactly what’s happened. I’ve volunteered for Edinburgh Art Festival, The Listening Service (at Edinburgh Sheriff Court), a foodbank and the Covid and flu vaccination programmes. All very rewarding and the kind of change I was looking for.

TRUSTEE

Beth joined the board in 2024 having lived in Porty for a year and Edinburgh for 10. Beth is all about the arts having trained and worked in the sector she has experience of working for funding bodies, grassroots organisations and national institutions plus lots of voluntary work for various organisations.

Beth currently works at the National Galleries of Scotland in the Finance department and the Learning & Engagement department and enjoys the challenges of blending two separate directorates within the same organisation. Beth believes in making art accessible to all and is delighted to be volunteering for an organisation with the same values.

TRUSTEE

I grew up at the top of Leith Walk - but have lived in King's Road since around 1980.

I was the councillor for Portobello from 1994 to 2007. I'm a volunteer with the Portobello Older Peoples Project - where I'm also treasurer.

I've long had an interest in public transport, especially rail - and chair the Capital Rail Action Group. I'm a vice-president of the Scottish Association for Public Transport and on the committee of Railfuture Scotland.

I'm a member of Portobello Rotary Club.
I've just retired after 41 years on the railway.

TRUSTEE

I am local resident of Portobello. My Mother's family come from the area and the Town Hall has always been a local landmark.  My background is in events, gallery, heritage and charity retail management. 

I studied history at Edinburgh university which is a passion of mine.

TRUSTEE

I’ve recently started living in Portobello and I love the community that we have here. I have been looking for a trustee position for a while as I work with trustees through my job (as an Investment Manager with specialty in charitable trusts), and I know how rewarding/challenging/exciting it can be! I personally gain great satisfaction in developing strategic plans and seeing them through to fruition.

I have a little experience with fundraising & sponsorships, again from university, and am generally financially savvy through my work. I also frequently help our charity clients’ trustees and treasurers compile data they need for reporting to OSCR.

TRUSTEE

I am a college maths lecturer at Edinburgh College and have been there for 15 years. I have a strong sense of community and have been a trade union representative there for over 10 years, and have a good understanding of employment law having done various trainings. I also sit on the Edinburgh College Board of Management as lecturing staff representative, which has piqued my interest in being involved in the strategy side of things more.

I am also a passionate musician, playing in my own band and have been involved in several musicals. I have recently moved back into the area and want to bring my knowledge, skills and enthusiasm to the role of trustee.

TRUSTEE

Owner/Principal of Lothian Dance Academy for 32 years.  Former professional dancer involved in dance & dance education 45 years.

Experienced events and shows organiser. Registered teacher Royal Academy of Dance. Experience in advertising networking & social media. Active in local community.

TRUSTEE

I've lived in Portobello for about five years and having tried to move in for about ten years before that absolutely love being here.  Professionally I've a background in charities and community development. 

VENUE MANAGER

Hi, I’m Kieran, the venue manager.
I am here to help facilitate your hire at the Town Hall.

I’m currently juggling hires and a fairly large refurbishment of the building. I am Porty born and bred.

I am keen to introduce this grand old building to a whole new generation of events, parties and shows.