Meet the Board
The Board of Moray Reach Out is at the heart of our mission, overseeing our progress and ensuring the success of our trainees and projects. Currently, our dedicated Board members gather approximately every two months to receive comprehensive reports on the incredible strides our trainees are making and the positive impact our projects are having in the community.
We are always open to new perspectives and expertise, and we warmly invite individuals who share our passion for making a difference in the lives of adults with disabilities to consider joining our Board. If you have a deep interest in the important work we do and believe that your skills and experiences can contribute to our cause, we would be thrilled to have you on board.
To express your interest in becoming a Board member, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@morayreachout.org.uk. We’ll gladly provide you with a membership application form and our code of conduct policy, giving you all the information you need to embark on this rewarding journey with us. Together, we can continue to empower individuals and create a positive impact for future generations.
The Board
Interim Chair: Alan McDonald
Vice Chair: John Rose
Treasurer: Alan McDonald
Trustee / Director: Alison Mair
Trustee / Director: William Mair
Trustee / Director: Ian Roberson
Trustee / Director: Kenny Gray
Trustee / Director: Robert Gray
Alan McDonald
“I got involved with MRO when Shona joined as Operations Manager in June 2014.
Shona invited me to join the board as we had worked together for many years when I was employed by Highlands & Islands Enterprise.
The future for MRO will be like many organisations having to react to tough local and worldwide challenges. I’m sure MRO will continue to be successful in meeting these challenges.
I enjoy playing golf (badly) in my free time which is very limited since I retired.
I would say to others: Support and help people who are less fortunate than yourself.”
John Rose, joined MRO when they were looking for a social worker who could drive a forklift. He worked as Operations Manager with Moray Reach Out Waste Watchers for 8 years before retiring in 2016. During that time he developed a deep love and respect for the trainees and was very proud of what the staff and volunteers had achieved in taking on several separate projects and combining them into one brand – MRO.
He believes that the standards and ambitions of Moray Reach Out are high and he looks forward to supporting the team to continue to battle with difficult financial circumstances, all aimed at supporting the trainees to achieve.
John retired to The Park Ecovillage, Findhorn and enjoys like minded friendships there. He is fascinated by the history and buildings there and enjoys singing and looks after a laundry plus a recycling centre. He likes to fix friends bikes and travels around on his home-made electric trike. But above all he is very proud and humbled to be connected with the success of Moray Reach Out.
Ian Robertson joined the board in March 2021. He has had over 30 years’ experience in Management roles within the UK, Australian and New Zealand aquaculture industries. Within the last few years, he has also been involved in the recycling and training industry. Ian has a proven track record in developing and directing personnel to work successfully together as highly motivated multi-disciplined teams. His interpersonal skills have also been developed which enable him to feel comfortable working as an integral part of any team
Alison Mair joined the board late 2016. Her son attends Moray Reach Out Recycling, so she has a very close interest in the success of MRO ventures and the positive impact they have on daily life for the trainees who benefit from their endeavours. She firmly believes MRO has and will continue to have a great influence in the lives of many adults with learning disabilities in the Moray area.
William Mair also joined the board late 2016, after 15 years as a fisherman and 20 years in the oil & gas industry. Through these experiences he thought he had seen all of the ups and downs working life can give people, however having a son with learning difficulties he has seen first-hand the fantastic sense of achievement that Moray Reach Out has, and continues to give adults with learning disabilities every day of their working lives.
Kenny Gray joined the board in 2024. Originally a farmer from the Morayshire area in 2005 along with his brother Stevie they set up Grays Recycling Services Ltd (GRS) based at Spey Bay which is involved with waste management, skip hire, recycling, trade bins and scrap metal merchants. During these early years GRS became involved in assisting Moray Reach Out in various projects and building a strong relationship of over 15 years to date.
Robert Gray joined the board in 2024. Robert on leaving school went to university and trained as a Chartered Accountant with Johnston Carmichael LLP. After 9 years he returned home to the family business Grays Recycling Services Ltd at Spey Bay in 2021 where he runs the transport and office side of the business. With GRS assistance with Moray Reach Out over many years Robert is there to assist in continuing this for years ahead.