Charity Trustees
The Trust is governed by the Board of Charity Trustees, which has full decision-making authority on behalf of the membership. All Board members are volunteers and members. The Board of Charity Trustees is elected by the membership at the Trust’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Board members are elected for a period of three years, with the possibility of extending to six years. Mid-year vacancies are filled by co-option.
The Board meets bi-monthly and also conducts its business by email or through additional meetings.
Board of Charity Trustees
David Strachan, Chair
Catherine Erskine, Vice-Chair
Karen Petersen, Finance and Museum Convenor
Jo Roger, Environment Convenor
Ken Fraser
Dorothy Cassells, Communications Convenor
Iain Lawson, Museum Project Board Convenor
Ron Kay, Property and Planning Convenor
Erika Musselwhite
Angus Franklin
Jimmy Lindsay
Hear From Our Charity Trustees
“Born in Aberdeen, I was brought up in different places across Scotland before “emigrating” to England at the age of 12. After 17 years down South, my career took me around the Globe and I have lived in three continents and worked on fine.
My wife and I bought a flat in St Andrews in the late nineties while our two sons were boarders at Strathallan before buying our main home in Drumoig where we still live. Having spent 37 years working for Barclays and the last two for Blackrock until I retired in 2012, I am now a part time Tour Guide. I play golf (erratically) and joined the Trust in 2019 as Finance Convenor.
Iain Lawson
“A local resident who left St Andrews in the 80s to teach in four countries in the Far East for 16 years, I returned happily to grass roots education in Kingsbarns. Since coming home I’ve been involved in a variety of local organisations and enjoyed being part of the St Andrews community while chasing a white ball round the courses or singing and dancing, not all at the same time” – Jo Roger
“Kenneth Fraser was born in Dunoon and educated at Dunoon Grammar School and Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities. He came to St Andrews in 1967 to work at the University Library and has lived here ever since. He became a Trustee in 2017 and before that was, for more than thirty years, a member of St Andrews Community Council.” – Ken Fraser
“Graduating from St Andrews University (BSc Hons Economics, 1980) gave me both the grounding to develop a career working in the fields of Telecommunications, IT and Education for industry and not-for-profit sectors, together with a lifelong love of St. Andrews. Experienced in marketing and communications, business development, consultancy and large-scale educational IT programme management and delivery. Key for me is collaboration, and I look forward to working with all the people involved in the Trust and playing a role in supporting its future.” – Dorothy Cassells
“Educated at Madras College, after graduating from Edinburgh University my working career was in banking, 27 years with The Royal Bank of Scotland and the remaining 12 years as Chief Executive of Airdrie Savings Bank. My father’s family had St Andrews roots dating back many generations and I grew up enjoying tales of old St Andrews from those who were around in the 1960s and 1970s. I also have very clear and fond memories of what St Andrews was like while I was growing up here and feel that it is important to retain as much as possible while accepting that some changes are essential. Given those connections I feel that I owe St Andrews a lot and am keen to try to give something back through more involvement with the Preservation Trust of which I have been a member for many years.” – Jimmy Lindsay
“Born in Glasgow and educated at the Glasgow Academy, before graduating from the University of She eld with a Dip Arch (distinction). I then moved back to Glasgow, to work as an Architect with Glasgow City Council, Murray & Manson and Murray Design Group. In 2001, I moved to the University of Cambridge taking up the role of senior project manager/portfolio leader. While working with the University of Cambridge, I managed some interesting major projects such as the expansion of Kettles Yard Art Gallery (Heritage Lottery funding), refurbishment of the ADC Theatre (where John Cleese et al. got together). Apart from my interest in architecture, design and building in general, I enjoy maintaining classic cars (slowly), travel (when possible), cooking, gardening, dog walking. Now that I have retired, I feel that this would be an ideal opportunity to become involved with the Trust and put my skills to good use, hopefully to the benefit of the community which Lorna and I joined in December 2021. My initial involvement is with the Planning Committee and Museum Project Board.” – Ron Kay
“I was brought up and educated in St Andrews – Madras College then St Andrews University graduating MA (Hons) Mediaeval History in 1974. Thereafter I moved to London and worked in university administration for over 30 years. I returned to St Andrews in 2012. My immediate and extended family grew up and ran businesses in the town and passed on their love of St Andrews to me. I like to read, enjoy foreign language and silent films and watching TV crime dramas. I try to play bridge and keep fit – with varying degrees of success!” – Erika Musselwhite
Considering Becoming a Trustee?
If you could like to inquire about becoming a Charity Trustee then email Sam Ross at Sam.Ross@stapt.org.uk alongside a CV and brief written outline of your experiences and motivation for interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have been a Charity Trustee before?
No! We are delighted to welcome a variety of different experiences, skills and abilities. From time to time we seek specific expertise. At the moment, we are looking for Charity Trustees with experience in property management, financial management and event management.
What skills should I bring?
Charity Trusteeship draws on a wide variety of skills. Generally, you should work well with the other twelve to fifteen Charity Trustees, and feel confident to get stuck in wherever help is required.
How many hours can I expect to commit?
Each Charity Trustee contributes a different number of hours per week and depending on the time of the year. You can give us an indication of what time commitment you would like to contribute to the Trust.
What will I gain from becoming a Charity Trustee?
Our Charity Trustees frequently comment on the sense of community that the Trust provides them with, as well as the broader feeling of contributing to some of St Andrews’ major events, planning applications and Museum provisions.
Do I need to be a member before I can be a Charity Trustee?
Yes, you do. You can join as a member here: https://standrewspreservationtrust.com/membership/ or collect a membership form from the St Andrews Heritage Museum