Who is who.
Steve, Trish, Morag, Jo-Anne, Paul, Clara, Lynne
Morag Bramwell
BA in French & Italian, PostGrad Diploma in Business & Secretarial Studies. I worked as a Secretary then Programme Researcher at Scottish TV in the 1980s. After moving to the Highlands I did a degree in Computer Object Programming (OU). I spent two years working with three different medical practices computerising medical histories, then worked for approximately 10 years as a Data Analyst with NHS Highland. I joined Rosemarkie Allotments & Gardens Society before retiring and have been Secretary at RAGS for several years. I have been a lifelong nature lover and food grower.
Since retiring I’ve been a volunteer at Fortrose Academy’s veg, fruit and flower garden. I am a member of the Soil Association and Pesticide Action Network. I started up ROGS with a view to creating community gardens and allotments in Fortrose, after being inspired by the Highland Good Food Conference.
Alister Clunas
I have worked my whole career in conservation land management. Latterly Property Manager of National Trust for Scotland’s Mar Lodge Estate from 1998-2005. From 2005-2015 I was Chief Officer of Aberdeen Greenspace Ltd which carried out greenspace projects within the boundary of the City of Aberdeen funded mainly through the Landfill Communities Fund.
I am retired but volunteer for RSPB on their Highland reserves delivering visitor management at Loch Ruthven and practical tasks at Culbin Sands. I am Chair of the Highland Branch of the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club.
Paul Dungey
I was born in Lincolnshire and gained a Diploma in Fine Art from Lincoln Art College in 1984. In 1988 I gained a BA (Hons) in Archaeology and Prehistory from Sheffield University and worked as a Field Archaeologist for 10 years throughout the UK and abroad.
Following trecking experiences in the Himalayas, I was inspired to become a Physiotherapist and qualified in 2001. I initially worked as an NHS Physio in Grimsby, then Oban from 2004 to 2006, followed by the RNI in Inverness. From 2007 I have lived in Fortrose, where I met my wife Clara. Since 2015 I have been a Specialist Physiotherapist for Learning Disabilities, based at New Craig’s Hospital, and cover NHS Highland.
I chose to work for adults with Learning Disabilities because they are some of our most vulnerable citizens, and I gain significant job satisfaction from achieving positive outcomes for them, in collaboration with colleagues, families and care providers.
I have always had a deep love of nature and a desire to nurture and protect it. To this end, I have been a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, and a member of Greenpeace for over 30 years. I gained a love of gardening from my Grandad who worked a large garden, growing fruit and vegetables to feed his family. Following in his footsteps I became a member of Rosemarkie Allotments and Gardening Society, where Clara and I continue to grow fruit and vegetables and wildflowers, to make provision for nature.
Trish McKeggie
Starting with a National Certificate in Agriculture at Oaklands College, I went on to work on various farms, milking etc, then collecting Farm records and accounts for the Milk Marketing Board. I came up to Scotland to work in Ord House Hotel, and kitchen garden in Muir of Ord.
We moved to the Black Isle and I worked for Scottish Special Housing, part of the job was decanting tenants while their houses were up graded, In 1990s a friend and I started and ran a small tree nursery. In 2000 I started my own gardening business, till I retired in 2017
I now volunteer in Fortrose Charity shop, I am on the Food and Growing group for Transition Black Isle, and on the committee running Resolis community Hall.
Jo-Anne Pugh
I was born in Lancashire but grew up in Caithness. I have been a journalist for the BBC for more than thirty years in various parts of the UK, and currently work part-time for the main London newsdesk.
My husband and I moved back to Scotland in 2013 where our two children attended Avoch Primary and Fortrose Academy. I have been active in both schools’ parent councils and am currently a member of Fortrose and Rosemarkie Community Council.
Coming from a family of keen gardeners, I enjoy the challenge of growing fruit and veg in our exposed garden at Upper Raddery. Practical solutions to problems appeal to me: with my FRCC hat on, I organised the planting of a 220m native hedge on Common Good land in Fortrose to encourage wildlife, help combat climate change and encourage neighbours to get to know one another. I’m also a firm believer that gardening is the perfect physical and mental antidote when you find the News just too depressing.
Steve Bramwell
I retired from my work life as a Consultant Urologist at Raigmore Hospital in 2013 having spent 35 years in NHS surgical practice. I have always been a keen sailor and have spent my retirement so far exploring the coast of Scotland in a sailing boat which I own jointly with friends. I have served on the Committee of Chanonry Sailing Club as Secretary and volunteer fund raiser, and was involved in the building of two St Ayles Rowing Skiffs which now comprise Fortrose Community Rowing.
I am interested in setting up projects to enhance the quality of life in our communities on the Black Isle and am excited to be involved in the Black Isle Mens Shed.
Other interests include rowing, cycling and outdoor pursuits in general.
I am married with 3 grown up children and have lived in Fortrose for the past 22 years
Lynne Mackenzie – website design