Boyndie Co-op Board
The Board has been chosen to represent the local area. Board members are:
Barbara Holligan (Peterhead)
Three years ago I sought election for the first time to the Board, having previously been an ‘observer’ at meetings. During the last three years I have learned much about the governance of Boyndie WFC, and tried to put the perspective of Josephine Public to the Board’s work.
Whilst still living with my family , (all six of us are Boyndie investors) on a croft near Maud, we do have a new addition to the family since I first stood for election– a 10kw wind turbine on a 15m pole. This very small development in wind turbine terms, as well as taking two years of my life, gave me insights into the problems of getting renewable energy projects off the ground. It made me eternally grateful for the work Energy4All did with Falck to create the Boyndie Wind Farm Coop, and with it the opportunity for ordinary people in the ‘hosting’ community to benefit from investment in renewable energy, without having to personally own the land or go through the time consuming and expensive ‘developmental hurdles’, perhaps unsuccessfully.
I strongly believe that affected communities should have rights to invest in on -and off-shore wind developments. This wider ownership of energy production, would encourage accountability of planners and power generation network suppliers, as well as fostering more responsible attitudes towards energy usage by end users. My strengths are in the areas of co-operation and communication.
Duncan Leece (Boyndie)
I live in Boyndie, close to the turbines, which I watched being built and have been interested in, ever since. I was a founder director of this co-op, and am a keen advocate of community participation and benefit. The first half of my working life was spent in the retail and hospitality industries, but in 1999 I change direction into the Third Sector, and I am CEO of two local charities as my paid job. I was very honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal for this work, in the late Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honours List. I am used to working both at Board and operational levels, and bring that experience to this co-op.
Robin Maddock (Portsoy)
I was born and brought up in Hamilton, Lanarkshire in 1952 and lived there until February 2006.
On leaving school I joined Clydesdale Bank in Motherwell and worked my way through the ranks becoming a manager when I was 28 in the International Division in Glasgow. I had various managerial jobs, primary in Treasury, Asset & Liability Management and latterly in Treasury Compliance & Operational Risk. In 2000 I moved to work for the parent company (National Australia Bank) although I was still based in Glasgow. Following a restructuring in the organisation, I was made redundant in February 2006.
My wife and I have had a house in Portsoy since November 2002 but have been coming to Portsoy for holidays for about 35 years. On moving permanently to Portsoy, I secured a job as an Assistant Registrar with Aberdeenshire Council, which I have now left. I am also Chairman of Banffshire Partnership Ltd and Chairman of the Portsoy District Community Association which runs the Pavilion and playing fields in Portsoy.I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and have an MSc in International Banking & Finance.
I have served as a director of Boyndie Wind Farm Co-operative since the AGM in May 2008.
Mike Pitman – Chairman (Portsoy)
I am 57 years old and a partner in Johnston Carmichael LLP, Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, and work out of their Fraserburgh office. I have several clients who have Turbines so I have a professional interest in wind energy as well as a personal one. I have been on the Boyndie board for 7 years, now the last 3 as Chairman.
I have lived in Banff for some 26 years and during my time in the town have been Chairman of Banff Academy School Board and Banff Round Table. I am currently a director of Fraserburgh Development Trust and a Bakery Company.
I am a season ticket holder at Pittodrie and have enjoyed the last 2 years after many years of famine! My golfing report card continues to say “Michael is enthusiastic but he could do a lot better”.
Christopher McKay (Portsoy)
At present I am self employed doing mainly building work, tree surgery and firewood processing. Before moving to Portsoy in 2005 I was a director with one of Rentokil Initial’s main divisions with my last three positions being Sales and Marketing Director, Operations Director and Managing Director. My last job involved running twelve huge laundries spread throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and employing over two thousand full time employees.
I believe that the more you put into your community you more you get out of it. Locally I have been an office bearer in Deveron Canoe Club, Banff Chess Club, Deveron Gymnastics, Skip to the Beat, Portsoy 75 Club, Portsoy Community Council and Portsoy Primary School Parent’s Support Group. In my spare time I am also the local Sustrans Ranger for the stretch of the National Cycle Network (from Whitehills to Cullen) that passes right by our wind farm. As a warden I am responsible for ensuring that the signs are kept clear of vegetation and replaced if damaged or vandalised. If you like to go to the theatre you may well have seen me in most of the Portsoy Players productions and pantomimes.
In terms of energy use I have been very interested in alternative technologies for decades, heat my house with wood and find the current carbon debate engrossing.
Anne Balharry (Whitehills)
I was born an brought up in Dundee. On leaving school I joined the British Linen Bank, which then became the Bank of Scotland. There I met Ross (he was a Director of Boyndie Windfarm until he sadly passed away last July). We married in June 1974 and have 3 children. The bank moved us all over the country, and I spent a lot of time getting involved with school activities. I was on the PTA and taught a group of youngsters to play badminton. I was a Guide leader when we lived in Fochabers , where I also delivered Meals on Wheels . Living in Orkney I spent time helping out in the Oxfam shop. We moved to Whitehills 20 years ago and I am currently Treasurer of Whitehills and District Community Council , I am also an Elder of Whitehills Parish Church.
Milan Copic
I served on the bord of directors at the time when the co-op was established and participated in recruitment of the members/investors. I was in the post till 2013 when I resigned in order to dedicate all available time to the new job that I have then just started. For the part of that period, I was a chairperson.
My work experience comes almost entirely from holding senior management positions in food manufacturing industry in UK. I am used to management by consensus, the style well suited to reaching the decisions by the group of people and fitting the style of the Co-op board.
I am very interested in the locally owned renewable energy sources as well as in local community of the Banff area.
I am willing and able to commit to regular participation in the board meeting as well as to constructively contribute to running of the Co-op.
I am a good communicator and am well known within the Co-op membership. I am positive, enthusiastic and constructive person as well as supportive colleague.
Contact the Energy4All office if you need information on the Boyndie co-op or if you would like to get in touch with the Directors
