A hidden gem in The Cairngorms National Park

Reuel moved to the area in the 1990s with his wife Paula and their young children. They spent eighteen years living on a hill croft while running their construction business. They now live in Tomintoul in a family cottage that has been passed down through five generations.

Reuel is only too aware of the challenges our local communities face and the fragility of their economies. Conscious of the current difficulties confronting TGDT, he became involved out of deep concern that the Trust could be lost to all.

Passionate about local history, genealogy and all things Highlands he can often be found wandering in graveyards, visiting distilleries in search of the perfect dram and each September he escorts Tomintoul’s gentlemen golfers on their annual golf outing, he has never failed to return them all.

Ellie has over 30 years’ background in banking, with 20 of these directly involved in the delivery of group wide change. With experience as both a Project and Programme Manager and also in Operational Risk looking at the risks associated with change, Ellie is keen to use her skills to support the TGDT in delivering sustainable benefits for the community.

In her downtime, Ellie can often be seen out walking in the area with her crazy spaniel.

Markus is an experienced government official with a background in policy, governance, and project management.

He is is also secretary of Tomintoul and Glenlivet Youth Club and is passionate about increasing the voices and participation of young people within the community, as well as increasing communication and collaboration with the range of associations and organisations working to improve lives across the area.

Markus is committed to ensuring that an area as beautifully unique as ours has the community at the heart of driving forward the change it wishes to see and retaining it’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations to enjoy and benefit from.

Stephen has lived in Tomintoul for the majority of his life, having first moved to the area in 1973. Over the years, previously he has worked with a number of local businesses and has been involved in local groups and committees. He currently works as a Logistics Manager.

As a Director of TGDT, Stephen is passionate about helping Tomintoul and Glenlivet continue to thrive. He is particularly keen to see the area remain an attractive place for young families to live and work, supporting the future of local schools and businesses and helping to build a strong, sustainable community for generations to come.

Eleanor has lived in Glenlivet all her life and cares deeply about the place, the people and working to defend the areas natural, cultural and heritage assets that make it so unique.

Life revolves around farming odd jobs, granny duties and various Board/Trust duties.

Eleanor has sat on many of the areas various committees and groups and still does. These currently include the National Park, Cairngorms Trust and Glenlivet and Inveravon Community Association.

Since its inception the TGDT has played an important role within the community and Eleanor believes it is crucial it continues to be allowed to do the job it was set up to do.

Resident since 2025 and co-owner of Belneden Steading holiday cottages, Phil brings previous governance experience with TGDT, the Cairngorms Business Partnership, and Visit Moray Speyside, alongside a corporate background in risk and control.

Having taken a hands-on interest in local housing developments, Phil aims to offer the continuity and corporate insight needed to navigate ongoing challenges.

Claire comes from Grantown and has been in the role since 2023. She has a degree in Politics and International Relations but these days is more interested in community development. When she’s not working Claire enjoys playing shinty with Strathspey Camanachd and walking her dog Fish.

Sharon started with the Trust in April 2022. Initially working at the hostel, she then took the position working in the Discovery Centre and Post Office in September 2022.

Sharon enjoys meeting all the different visitors and finds it a very rewarding job, although it doesn’t always feel like work. She’s always happy to help and greet locals and visitors alike with a warm smile and the support they need to explore the centre or use the Post Office.

Sharon and Andy found a property in the area back in 2016, as they were looking for something to renovate. They love the area and the remoteness, visiting for many years, before moving here permanently in August 2021.

Sharon’s spare time is taken up with the renovation and looking after 2 terrier dogs.