SECRETARY

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 for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, having previously held roles at National Galleries of Scotland and Scottish Parliament. Beth believes in making art accessible to all and is delighted to be volunteering for an organisation with the same values.

TRUSTEE

Claire joined the board in 2025. Originally from Edinburgh, she lived in Bristol for many years and developed a passion for volunteering as a mentor for refugees and asylum seekers there. She moved to Portobello in 2021 to raise a young family while continuing to support a number of national charities to deliver digital and strategic projects in her job as a Product Manager. Her dad was an English teacher at the old Porty High for 40 years, so building a life in Portobello feels very much like a full-circle moment!

Claire is excited to be joining the board to help support such a well-loved and ambitious community space; she believes firmly in the importance of the arts and of amplifying a diverse range of ideas and voices in everything that we do.

CHAIR

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

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.

VISE-CHAIR

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

Having grown up in Portobello, returning three years ago felt like coming home. My career in information security, governance and risk has focused on helping organisations stay resilient.

As a trustee, I hope to bring that experience to the long-term stability and stewardship of Portobello Town Hall, offering practical and thoughtful oversight so the Hall continues to serve the community well into the future.

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

Lisa has been a Civil Servant for 40 years working in many roles including the policy for Scottish culture and the historic environment. 

Lisa went to school and lived and worked in Portobello until recently moving along the road to Musselburgh.  She has been delighted to watch the iconic and treasured town hall reclaim its rightful place at the heart of Porty. 

She feels strongly that community resources like PTH can be the conduit for creative expression, community collaboration and a sense of belonging, and is delighted to join the Board.

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.

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.