As part of a continuing reorganization of the current Trustees, it is with regret that we have to announce the retirement of Mr Alan Barlow, who attended his last meeting in February 2017. Alan was the longest-serving Trustee by far and has seen many changes in the organization and nature of the work undertaken by the Grassmarket Mission over this lengthy period; however, he felt that the time had come for him to have a change of direction in his personal life and so we now thank him warmly for his work on behalf of the Grassmarket Mission.
Quietly spoken and self-effacing, Alan sat at meetings listening intently to the business under discussion, but speaking only when he wanted clarification on some point or other, or to make some pertinent comment as his contribution. His sage counsel will be missed and so we say farewell and wish him the very best in the future.
At the same time, the Trustees are delighted to announce the appointment of a further two new Trustees, and they are warmly welcomed. Firstly is Elaine Crichton, with a background in Asset Management, and currently Pro Bono Executive at Inspiring Scotland – an Edinburgh-based charitable organisation in Venture Philanthropy. Secondly is Mairi Day, who has a legal background, as Assistant Solicitor with Robson McLean, Morton Fraser and then Digby Brown, where she is currently Associate Solicitor. Both Elaine and Mairi attended their first meeting in April, 2017 and we look forward to their continuing association and input.