Magnus Flaws
Magnus Flaws
Chairperson

I have been actively involved in volunteering all my working life, serving on many committees and groups. When I was asked to join the VAS Board I readily agreed. It was only when being involved with the VAS board that I really understood how much worthwhile volunteering is being carried out in Shetland. Being retired I pass the time sea angling, reading and tracking my relations and building on the family tree.

Lindsay Tulloch
Lindsay Tulloch
Vice Chairperson
Steven Laidlaw
Steven Laidlaw
Finance Director

After living in Shetland for 15 years I have seen first-hand impact of volunteers across the island. I believe that while volunteers have had an incredible impact so far we still have a major role to play in explaining just how integral they are within the community.

As a teenager, I volunteered for a local residential care home in Edinburgh and witnessed the benefits of people genuinely caring about people. With complete conviction, I believe in volunteering as a way to build skills, resilience and teach us fundamental life skills. As well as support those who are in most need within our community. This lesson was instilled in me both personally and professionally from my own voluntary experience.

It is human nature to help others who are in need and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for this in Shetland.

Olive MacLeod
Olive MacLeod
Director

I became a director of Voluntary Action Shetland because I have always volunteered and I want to support people doing the same. I can’t remember a time when helping people wasn’t part of my life. Growing up in Shetland, it is just the natural thing to do and I can’t imagine not doing my bit! Having worked in accountancy prior to retirement, I hope that my financial background can be of help to VAS.

My hobbies are walking, swimming, reading, knitting and socialising. I love being outdoors which is a blessing as I have a dog! I am a walk leader, my walking group meets weekly and it is great to combine socialising with exercise. I have been involved with Relay for Life since it started in 2006.

Allison Duncan
Allison Duncan
Director

I have been a VAS Board Member since 2011 and I enjoy supporting the work that VAS engages in for the benefit of the Shetland community.

Marilyn Stewart
Marilyn Stewart
Director

I’ve been a director of Voluntary Action Shetland since 2018 and am still impressed at the amount of volunteering happening in Shetland. Like many folk in our isles, I have always volunteered, as taking on different roles and helping out is interesting, and makes our community a better and more vibrant place to live in. I have been involved in some of the bigger volunteering events in Shetland, such as the CATS (Community Action for Trauma Support) fundraising campaign which raised £1m for a scanner for the Gilbert Bain Hospital, and the Island Games in 2005. In both these events, I was involved in the PR and promotion side of things and I have tried to use some of my knowledge in that field to promote and highlight VAS projects. I have chaired the VAS Board and have also held the role of vice-chair. Participation in the VAS Board is also a voluntary role!

In my leisure time I like to spend time with my family and friends, reading, studying, and attending some of the many social events in Shetland, most of which are run by local folk volunteering.

Brenda Wilcock
Brenda Wilcock
Director

We came to Shetland nearly 50 year ago with our two small daughters, our son was born here a few years later. We made our home in Hillswick where my husband ran his business as farrier/blacksmith. At present I work for the Royal Voluntary Service as the manager for Shetland. I am also a community councillor for Northmavine. My hobbies include gardening (weather permitting), sewing, reading and walking.

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