Staff Profiles

Niall Urquhart

Chief Executive

It is a great privilege to be part of the Stramash team. The dedicated staff and volunteers who are part of Stramash, all believe in using the outdoors to help facilitate life changing experiences in the lives of the people we work with.

Gordon Smith

Senior Instructor

Having worked, studied and played in the outdoors for over fourteen years, I’m happy to say that I still have the same love and belief in Outdoor Education now that I’ve always had. I have worked in roles as diverse as personal development courses and wilderness journeys through to working in secondary schools and residential centres. In all these settings I have seen outdoor experiences as fantastic opportunities for people to learn more about themselves, others and the world around them.

Aileen Watkins

Schools & Adventure Club Coordinator and Instructor

I am responsible for setting up Stramash Adventure Clubs across Argyll and Bute for primary school aged children, as well as developing Forest Schools and implementing outdoor learning programmes with schools.

Andrew Head

Safety & Equipment Coordinator and Instructor

It has been great to join the Stramash team in providing exciting opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to try a wide range of outdoor activities, to learn new skills, to challenge themselves beyond their perceived limits and to explore some amazing and beautiful places.

Bruce Griffiths

Instructor

I first came in contact with Stramash when I took part in the Calendoian Crossing in 2006. I went on several other courses and expeditions before starting to volunteer on courses and programmes and working behind the scenes in the stores. I then went on to complete an eight month outdoor instructor apprenticeship at Stramash.

Keith Davis

Associate Instructor

I work as an instructor in canoeing, kayaking, hillwalking, climbing, orienteering and skiing. I see the outdoors as a tool to develop people’s confidence in themselves, social interaction and to develop their physical skills.

Tony Powell

Associate Instructor

I live in Oban and work as a mountaineering instructor. As well as having a great passion for the mountains of Scotland, I enjoy instructing and coaching others the skills of being in the mountains. I have spent some time training the Stramash apprentice instructors in these skills and have really enjoyed seeing them develop.

Leonie Palmer

Associate Instructor

I am an experienced outdoor instructor and work for outdoor organisations in different parts of the world. I have been involved with Stramash for over five years and lead a variety of courses and expeditions for Stramash.

Ewan Fleck

Apprentice Instructor

Stramash has given me lots of experience in activities I didn’t think I would get a chance to do. I have been involved with Stramash since 2006, at first as a participant, and have then progressed to being part of the Youth Board and now an Apprentice.