Meet The Board of Directors and Team of Volunteers
Lanark Community Development Trust is governed by a board of 11 volunteers from the local area. The Board Members have a diverse range of skill sets and professional backgrounds which are beneficial to the development of a variety of community projects. From time to time, the Board welcomes advisers to participate in discussions around particular projects or issues.
Chairman – Sylvia Russell
After retiring from 40 years teaching and lecturing, Sylvia became involved in many community groups. She has been a member of Lanark Inner Wheel, Lanark Playparks Action Group, and as a member of Lanark Lanimer Committee served as chairman for three years. She was chairman of Lanark Air Show Centenary Committee which was set up to commemorate Scotland’s first International Airshow, and is a member of Lanark Tolbooth Management Committee. She is currently the chairman of Lanark Community Development Trust and has worked for over 10 years to obtain funding to restore Castlebank Park. In 2017 she was thrilled to receive an MBE in recognition of her service to the community and heritage.
Eleanor McLean
Eleanor is a retired Civil Servant who has the time, enthusiasm and a huge interest in history. Eleanor is a member of various groups & organisations in the town and is especially passionate about Lanark, having lived most of her life in the Royal Burgh. Everything she does for the community is on a voluntary basis, and she is committed to trying and preserve our heritage, traditions and all things Lanark for future generations, but at the same time, being capable of moving with the times.
Graeme McLeish
Graeme graduated from Glasgow University with an honours degree in 1983 and has since worked with R C McLeish Insurance Consultants specialising in commercial insurance, pensions and investment. Graeme joined the Rotary Club of Lanark in 2007 and has led the High Street banners, town business maps, Lanark mugs and Christmas trees for shops projects. He joined the Lanark Community Development Trust Executive in 2015 and became part of the LCDT board in Feb 2017. Graeme is currently chair of the Development Trust Executive and the Discover Lanark initiative to create a Business Improvement District for Lanark. Graeme lives with his wife, two children and Millie the dog in Stonebyres, just outside Lanark. His hobbies include playing electric guitar, photography, travelling and walking.
Valerie Barr
Val is the Managing Director and Owner of Executive Benefit Services UK Ltd, a Chartered financial planning firm based in Lanark. Val has more than 22 years of experience in financial planning, achieving Chartered status in 2005 and becoming a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society in 2019. Val is a member of the Rotary Club of Lanark and joined the Board of the Trust in April 2022. Val is passionate about Lanark and helping to improve the opportunities for our young people in Lanark. When not at work, Val has two very active boys, who take part in rugby, football, handball and mountain biking. Val loves all things fitness, including running, biking and lifting weights. She has completed two marathons, Chester and York, completing the latter in four hours.
Loraine Swan
Born in Lanark, Loraine has always been very involved with Lanark organisations. She is the past Chair of the Lanark Lanimer Committee and is currently a volunteer with Healthy Valleys, a member of Lanark and District U3A, Vice President of Lanark Inner Wheel and an Elder at Greyfriars Church. She is the retired Depute Head of Stanmore House School in Lanark and is currently the Manager of the Stanmore Holiday Playscheme.
Jane Masters
Jane is a Lanark local who is passionate about empowering communities to become more vibrant and sustainable places. With a background in cultural heritage, she is currently responsible for business development for Healthy Valleys, a local health improvement charity, where she leads on fundraising and the development of new social enterprises. She also sits on the Board of the Scottish Civic Trust. In her spare time, Jane runs Move Dance School, and is a member of the Kilninie Club Lanimer group.
Annemarie Nicholson
A native of Glasgow, Annemarie has lived in the centre of Lanark since 1994. With an honours degree in Physics, she has worked in industry since the mid 80’s and has been with her current employer for approaching 30 years, in a number of European and Global roles- including Product Management, Business Leadership, Business Execution, Strategy Development and Environmental Regulations. She was previously on the school board of St Mary’s Primary and served on the committee of Music in Lanark. Annemarie and her husband have two grown-up children and she enjoys music and travelling.
Bill Tennant
A local solicitor, Bill was born and bred in Lanark. He joined the LCDT Board in 2023, and has helped the Trust with conveyancing matters and other legal matters.
Advisors to the LCDT board
Councillor Catherine McClymont
Catherine has been a Local Councillor since 2012 and joined the LCDT following her election. She lives in Lanark and is keen to see the Town and the surrounding area flourish. She is always surprised at how many volunteers her Ward has and really appreciates those who want to make a difference in the area they live in. She has been involved in several projects the Development Trust has undertaken and is willing to play an active part in all Community Groups in her area.
Councillor Julia Marrs
Julia has lived in the area for almost 20 years. She was a scientist and then a stay-at-home Mum to her four children and a community activist prior to an election. With a young family, her favourite thing in Lanark is its warm community and people. If Julia had to choose a favourite place it would be Lanark Loch, a beautiful location and great for all ages to enjoy.
Councillor Richard Elliot Lockhart
Richard is your local Conservative Councillor. His family have lived in Lanarkshire at Cleghorn for many generations. He is married with 3 children, and a farmer, but also brings a broad range of business experience to his role.
LCDT Staff
Walter McArthur
Walter joined the Trust in March 2022, taking over the role as Educational Gardener. He has worked tirelessly on promoting Castlebank Horticultural Centre, and has been instrumental in developing the project. A keen family man, Walter loves spending time with his kids and grandchildren.
Sophea Eglin
Sophea joined the trust in May 2024, taking over the role of Operational and Development manager. She went to University of Stirling graduating with a degree in Environmental Geography and has now settled in Lanark. Having worked at New Lanark and with family from the area, Sophea is keen to help the Lanark community.
Deadmans
