Outward Bound in Scotland

Alan Hoar

Alan is a retired Principal Fire Officer and former Head of Fire and Rescue Services for an English Local Authority. Following retirement Alan has worked, primarily, within the Youth Development environment. A qualified mediator and restorartive justice facilitator, he is a panel member and chair for Children’s Hearings Scotland. Alan is a trustee of a community arts centre and has been Chair of Outward Bound’s Scottish Council since 2019.

David Mowat

David has been a member of the Scottish Council for several years. He has experienced first-hand the hugely positive impact that Outward Bound has on young people that participate on courses. Although his background is in finance, he spends much of his spare time outdoors and has been heavily involved in adventure, team sports and coaching young people. He says it has been a privilege to be able to support Outward Bound in any way he can.

Capt. Duncan M Telfer

Duncan is a master mariner with over 40 years seagoing and shore based experience worldwide including residencies in Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Australia. His interest and support for Outward Bound stems from its origins in sea survival training for the merchant navy. While in Hong Kong he was appointed to the Outward Bound ship committee with responsibilities to the tall ship Ji Fung. He remains a trustee of Outward Bound in Hong Kong.

Sophie Randles

Sophie is a Director at Livingston James Group, an executive search business with a sample purpose, to help people and organisations realise their potential so that together they can impact lives and communities for the better. She believes that everyone should be given an opportunity to realise their potential and is passionate about helping young people believe they can achieve greatness. She is also on the Glasgow Wooden Spoon Committee; a charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children.

Euan MacDonald

Euan is an Investment Director with Rathbones. Specialising in the management of investment funds for Scottish charities. He was fortunate to attend an Outward Bound course while still at school. This fostered an interest in outdoor adventure and how to use challenging situations to overcome adversity. He is passionate about the physical and mental health benefits that arise from outdoor pursuits.

Maureen McKenna OBE

Maureen is the recently retired Executive Director of Education in Glasgow City Council, a role she had for 14 years, and prior to that was one of Scotland’s HM Inspectors of Education. In her time at Glasgow City Council, the city set itself the ambition to be a Nurturing City. Outcomes for children and young people have been transformed. Exclusions have reduced by over 90% and attainment has notably increased.

Julia Abel

Julia is an experienced economic and social development professional with over 30 years in leadership roles within the voluntary sector and academia. As Director of Funds for a venture philanthropy charity, she strives to inspire people, communities, organisations, and government to drive social change and transform lives. Julia is passionate about outdoor early learning and childcare and addressing inequalities through local sustainable action. Julia has been a member of the Scottish Council for 8 years and a trustee since 2021.

Iqra Mahmood

Iqra Mahmood is a recent graduate of the University of Glasgow with a degree in Scots Law. She brings a unique perspective to the Scottish Council, having not only benefited from The Outward Bound Trust's programs but spoke on her experiences at various events. Iqra has completed several Outward Bound courses, including the Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award and the 19-day expedition. These experiences, she believes, have been instrumental in shaping her into the person she is today.

As the first young person to join the Scottish Council, Iqra brings a fresh voice and a deep understanding of the impact Outward Bound has on young people. She is excited to be part of the organisation's next phase and contribute to its continued success in empowering young Scots.