Our People

Fergus is an experienced senior leader, and equality and diversity practitioner. He is currently employed at Skills Development Scotland, leading on equality and diversity strategy across service provision. Previously, Fergus was Chief Executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, where he witnessed first-hand the transformational impact that committed and skilled staff and volunteers can have working alongside people who might otherwise be disengaged or excluded as a result of structural inequality or prejudice. A career highlight came in 2019, when Fergus won the Inspirational Leader Award at the national Youth Work Awards, after being nominated by his team at LGBT Youth Scotland. Fergus continues to participate in sectors (youth, community, theatre) close to his heart, by volunteering as board member for YTAS.

Gillian has been a community learning and development practitioner and manager for 30 years. She graduated from the YMCA George Williams College with a BA (Hons) Informal & Community Education in 1997 and has been employed by YouthLink Scotland since then. Gillian strongly believes that it is vital that youth work staff and volunteers are well trained, supported, and informed so that they in turn provide a quality service for the young people they work with.

Lydia has over 20 years’ experience working within a human resources environment. She began her career in the charity sector, working with an organisation who provided respite care combined with outdoor activity holidays. Following this, Lydia relocated to Scotland and joined the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she has worked since 2003. Lydia studied drama at school and remembers well the confidence it gave her. She appreciates the skills young people develop as a result of participating in arts-based activities and the benefit these transferable skills offer in all aspects of life. Lydia is excited to be able to work with and support organisation, such as YTAS, that make these opportunities happen and support young people as they develop.

Marisa is a Health Policy academic with a background in investigative and broadcast journalism and performing arts. She is currently employed by the University of Edinburgh as Programme Director for an innovative MSc by Research in Health Humanities and Arts; Associate Director for the Centre for Creative-Relational Inquiry; Programme Director for the PhD in Health in Social Sciences; and Co-Chair for the Counselling Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee. Marisa has led ‘traditional’ public health research using ‘conventional’ approaches and methodologies, as well as creative and arts-informed projects linked to health policy and practice. In 2018, she was winner of The Health Foundation’s X Factor for Evidence for the Public’s Health, arguing for arts-based approaches and social connectivity as evidence in health and inequalities. Marisa has been passionate about the power of theatre for as long as she can remember. She has witnessed and experienced first-hand how youth theatre can transform lives, so she is delighted to be a member of the YTAS board.

Mhairi graduated from New College Lanarkshire with an HND in Acting and Performance and also works for CultureNL as an Assistant Arts Tutor. She has recently finished her time with Airdrie Youth Theatre and Junior Conservatoire. YTAS first came to Mhairi’s attention when she took part in the New Territory young leaders’ development programme. Then in 2019 she had the opportunity to perform at the National Festival of Youth Theatre. Youth theatre has always been important to her as it’s where she found her love for drama and she believes that it is a brilliant way for young people to express themselves and make their voices heard. Mhairi feels like she has just started on her journey and is looking forward to what’s to come. She is excited to be part of YTAS.