The Gannochy Trust has appointed Michael Spence to join its Board of Trustees from 17th November 2024. Bruce Renfrew, who had been a Trustee for eight years, stood down on 16th November 2024 having served two full terms on the Board.
Michael will bring a wealth of experience to The Gannochy Trust having spent over three decades as a practicing lawyer in the field of commercial property. Having represented Scotland at rowing, he has a particular interest in the power of sport to transform lives and is also keen to ensure equality of opportunity for young people, particularly those who may have been overlooked. Michael is also currently a Board member of the National Trust for Scotland and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
Bruce joined the Trust in 2016, and as a practicing lawyer from Perth he brought a wealth of local knowledge and legal experience to the Board. During this period he was closely involved in a review of the Trust’s governance arrangements, the preparation of a new estate strategy, and development of the Trust’s grant giving for youth work including support for the recently completed Y Centre for YMCA Tayside in Perth. He also had a particular interest in how the Trust could use its grant making to help nurture and develop young people across Scotland.
Stephen Hay, Chair of The Gannochy Trust said: “We welcome Michael to our Board of Trustees. His wide range of legal knowledge, Board experience, and underlying passion for sport and helping young people will complement our Board greatly. We would also like to thank Bruce for the huge contribution he has made to the Trust over the last eight years. His extensive knowledge and sound, practical advice will be greatly missed.”