Our Board of Trustees
James Cran
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
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
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
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.
Jennifer Peebles
Jennifer has been a FE college lecturer in the east end of Glasgow for almost 18 years, working with a range of young people with differing backgrounds, needs and abilities. During this time, she has had extensive experience volunteering with MCR Pathways as a mentor, supporting young people to realise their full potential. She is relatively new to volunteering with VS, however, fully appreciates the transformative impact that VS can have on developing resilience, and confidence, and enhancing mental and physical well-being. The outdoors plays a significant role in Jennifer’s life, with interests in tennis, skiing and hillwalking, including being an enthusiastic Munro ‘bagger’.
Allan Beattie
Allan was a young person who went through the Venture Scotland programme over 20 years ago.
He has since worked as an outdoor instructor for 10 years and been working in the private sector as a senior manager for the last 10 years.
Jo McCrae
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
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!