Board of Trustees

  • Wendy Davies - 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.

  • Beth Dunant

    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.

  • Damian Harney - 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.

  • Lawrence Marshall

    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.

  • Stewart Reid - 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.

Meet the Team

  • Kieran Middleton

    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.