The Cairngorms Trust has made two new appointments to guide its community development work.
Karen Derrick has stepped up as the new chair of the charity, while Rachel Dominy joins the team as the new Trust Manager, taking over from long-serving Nancy Chambers, who left in December.
As you know, the Cairngorms Trust is an independent charity with a mission to promote sustainable and community-led development in the Cairngorms National Park for the benefit of residents and visitors. We have distributed more than £2million over the past 10 years, with a particular focus on community facilities and environmental and habitat improvements.
Ms Derrick, of Grantown-on-Spey, takes over as chair from Roger Clegg, who retired from the Trust in November. She has 25 years of experience working with communities across the Cairngorms National Park and across Scotland.
Ms Derrick retired as Chief Officer of Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey (Vabs) in March 2025. Since then, she has continued her work in community development, which includes advising on governance, community asset transfer and funding.
She said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair of the Cairngorms Trust. Having served as a trustee since 2019, I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that targeted funding and support can have for communities, nature and local initiatives. I’m excited to build on this work with the Board, the Park Authority and our partners and to help ensure the Trust continues to be a strong, supportive and collaborative funder across the National Park.”
Ms Dominy spent her career working in the charity sector, leading a number of arts charities in the Chief Executive or equivalent role, and most recently was Director of Operations for the Landscape Research Group. She and her husband moved to the Cairngorms two years ago. Before that they owned a small croft in Shetland, where Ms Dominy worked for Shetland Arts.
She said: “Living close to nature in an extraordinary landscape, and playing a part in its community is important to me, and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to do just that with this new position at the Cairngorms Trust.
“I am looking forward to getting to know the communities across the national park, and to understand and support their aspirations and dreams for their lives in this extraordinary place.”
Ms Derrick said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rachel to the Cairngorms Trust team. Her experience and energy will be a real asset as we continue to grow our funding programmes and support communities and projects in the National Park. I’m looking forward to working closely with her to help bring more great ideas to life.”
