Chair: Kate Craig

Kate works in the book publishing industry (formerly as MD of a London publisher and now as a self-employed consultant) and she also runs two house lets in Moniaive.  Before moving here, she was a Trustee and founder member of a community garden in Argyll, helped to run a community transport scheme and was Chair of the Community Council.  Kate joined the Board of Moniaive Initiative in 2022.

Secretary: David Sands

David’s career was in education as a teacher, headteacher and university lecturer. Whilst living in Suffolk he was a trustee of a local environmental charity, Green Light Trust. He was also on the committee of a resident’s communal garden association whilst living in Bristol. Now retired, David moved to the area in 2023 and has got involved in village life through his work with Cairn Valley Community Transport, the MI Repair Cafe and the Glencairn Land and Woods Trust. He joined the Board in 2024.

Treasurer: Karen Donald

Karen worked for the Glenkens Community & Arts Trust and was Programme Manager at the CatStrand in New Galloway. She has also worked for Creetown Initiative and was a Trustee of the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival for seven years and was Vice Chair of The Stove in Dumfries. Karen joined us in 2016.

Board Member: Jude Knowles

Jude is an experienced HR manager working in a national private sector organisation. She lives in Moniaive with her family and believes that community involvement is the key to sustainable small communities. Her previous voluntary experience includes with Moniaive Primary School Parent Council, the Moniaive Gala Committee, and as a mentor with Queensberry Initiative.  She has been on the board of Moniaive Initiative since our establishment in 2013.

Board member: Innes Ross

Innes was a business Improvement manager delivering operational & strategic initiatives across leading manufacturing and financial organisations.  Co-founder and latterly President of a highly respected youth football club in Perthshire responsible for attaining the SFA Quality Mark Community Award & delivering coaching within the disability player pathway. He retired in 2022 and moved to Moniaive where he and his partner enjoy the vibrant community spirit. He is currently the Vice President of Glencairn Bowling Club and the Treasurer of Glencairn Lassies.  Innes joined our Board in 2024.

Board member: David Cooper

Following a 22-year technical and managerial career in computer systems and telecommunications, David embarked on a four year retraining programme to become a teacher in Rudolf Steiner inspired schools. He has been a Class Teacher / Sponsor with every age range from Primary (6 year olds) to Secondary (18 year olds). After his retirement in 2017, he moved with his wife and twin sons to Glencairn in 2018. Between 2019 and 2024 David was the Chair of the Glencairn Memorial Hall (GMI) Management Group.  David joined our Board in 2025.

Board member: Glenn Whalley

Glenn studied in the Electronics and Communication Engineering field and spent most of his career working at BT’s Research Labs in Martlesham, Suffolk. He was a chartered engineer with the Institute of Engineering and Technology. Glenn and his wife moved to Moniaive in 2022 and are involved in many aspects of village life including the Cairn Chorus, Moniaive Players, Repair Cafe, Community Garden and the Glencairn Bowling Club. Glenn has been a stalwart of our Repair Café since its inception. Glenn joined our Board in 2025.