Our Board of Trustees
James Cran
He/Him
Chair
James has been an employment lawyer for the last 25 years. He trained with McGrigor Donald and worked with McGrigors and Pinsent Masons (following a merger) throughout his career. He is currently a consultant with Pinsent Masons and an associate with KWC Global (providing training to professional services firms in the UK and abroad).
Before becoming a solicitor, James studied history and taught English in South America for two years. James was a trustee with Venture Scotland from 2009 to 2015 and is delighted to be back with the team helping with the great work they do.
Charles Ross-Stewart
He/Him
Secretary
Charles joined Venture Scotland as Company Secretary in July 2021. Charles is a retired solicitor with over 30 years of experience working in the financial services industry in legal and compliance risk management roles. Charles is married with two grown-up children. He returned to live in Edinburgh in 2019 after retiring from his working career in London. Charles enjoys cycling, hill walking, skiing and spending as much time as possible in the outdoors.
Frances Mullan
She/Her
Treasurer
Frances joined as treasurer in November 2020 bringing 20 years of experience in the finance industry and knowledge gained from six years as treasurer with Borders Youth Theatre. She is actually returning to Venture Scotland having been one of the early volunteers when the organisation started 30 years ago. Originally from Northern Ireland, Frances is now based in Edinburgh with her family and equally happy tramping up Arthur’s Seat with her dogs or curled up with a good book.
Ailsa Falconer
She/Her
Ailsa is a long-term supporter and previous volunteer with Venture Scotland. She’s experienced in project management, branding & communications and stakeholder management, having held a variety of positions in the private and public sectors. She is passionate about volunteering, personal development and health and well-being. She is a touch rugby fanatic and when she isn’t either playing or refereeing, she can be found walking on beaches and in the hills with friends and their dogs, or out and about in Edinburgh.
Jo McCrae
She/Her
Jo was drawn to Venture Scotland as a volunteer in 2018 as she passionately believes in the role of the outdoors in supporting positive personal development.
She joined the board in 2023 and continues to volunteer with the Bothy Maintenance Team. Jo is a practicing architect based in Glasgow with experience of managing and delivering complex community-led and public sector projects. In her spare time she is happiest being out in the hills either walking, bike-packing or wild swimming.
Becky Little
She/Her
Becky joined Venture Scotland as a Trustee in 2023. After qualifying as a Solicitor in Scotland, she transitioned from the Legal Sector into the world of Executive Search, working in London and then back in Edinburgh for 6 years. With an interest in Human Resources and a passion for Diversity and Inclusion, Becky completed her CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resources and has recently joined a large consumer products organisation with an initial focus on their Talent/Hiring Strategy. In her spare time Becky enjoys keeping active, being outdoors, doing DIY around the house and spending time with friends and family!
Paula Arthur
She/Her
Paula started her Venture Scotland Journey in 2016. Prior to joining as a participant, she had studied an honours degree in sport and exercise science, coming away with a 2:1 award. She has always had a passion for sport and exercise, whether that’s coaching others or improving her own fitness. She has a keen interest in how exercise affects mental health. Through doing the outdoor activities with VS, she has first-hand proof that being outside can also massively impact your mental wellbeing. Previously, she worked as a development worker for another charity (Move On), which now works in collaboration with VS. She enjoys volunteering, the gym, going for walks and doing arts and crafts. She is very passionate about using her lived experiences of homelessness and mental illness to help others who are in similar positions. She’s excited to be joining the team and ensuring participants experience all the greatness that Venture Scotland has to offer.