About Us
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust (LCDT) is a non-profit Community Benefit Society (CBS). Additionally, LCDT has charitable status (SC053157) and is a member of the Development Trusts Association of Scotland (DTAS). Currently, our organisation has 8 directors and over 300 members.
Our Mission
To put it simply, we want to help Lochwinnoch flourish and thrive by creating a lasting, positive impact.
Our History
Originally formed as Lochwinnoch Community Development Company in 2013, the organisation later changed from a Company to a Trust in 2018 to broaden its focus.
LCDT is now a member of the Development Trusts Association of Scotland (DTAS). The inaugural general meeting of LCDT was held on December 5th 2018.
More recently, in March 2026, the Trust changed its legal structure from a limited company to a Community Benefit Society (CBS), while retaining its charity status (SC053157).
Our Aims & Objectives
We aim to build a connected and resilient community by empowering people, enhancing well-being, and promoting sustainability for all.
Our Objectives:
- Community Development: Empower local people and groups to identify needs, improve well-being, and promote social inclusion by supporting collaborative projects and building strong community partnerships.
- Environment & Sustainability: Enhance and protect our natural environment by promoting biodiversity, tackling climate change, and embedding sustainable practices in everything we do.
- Community Spaces: Create and improve welcoming spaces that bring people together, encourage participation, and support community inclusion and connection.
- Culture & Heritage: Celebrate, preserve, and promote the unique culture and heritage of Lochwinnoch, building local pride and a strong sense of identity.
- Local Economy & Tourism: Encourage economic growth by supporting local businesses, attracting visitors, and developing sustainable revenue streams to ensure the Trust’s and the community’s long-term future.
Governance
Lochwinnoch Community Development Trust is a non-profit organisation committed to serving the needs of Lochwinnoch residents. Our voluntary Board consists of 8 directors. Our governance is outlined in our Constitution and the Articles of Association.
Our Board
Diarmid Harris
Chair
A retired Deputy Head who has recently returned to Lochwinnoch, Diarmid is also on the steering committee for the Muirshiel Regeneration Project.
Bill White
Treasurer
Bill has 26 years in banking and 16 years in education (University of Glasgow). He moved to Lochwinnoch in 2015.
Martin Mansell
Secretary
Retired civil engineer Martin, an expert in hydrology and renewable energy, has led LCDT since 2019 and serves on the LEAP board.
Fiona Sutherland
Director
Fiona has extensive experience in Human Resources.
Rafe Dewar
Director
A professional ecologist who volunteers on wildlife surveys across Renfrewshire. He serves on the Lochwinnoch Force for Nature (LFFN) committee, promoting wildlife and biodiversity in the village.
James Watson
Director
James brings extensive experience in Business Development Management, which will be invaluable as we develop the Parish Church Community Hub project.
Our Team
Eilidh Staniforth
Project Officer, Lochhead Gardens
Based in Kilbarchan, Eilidh has a background in Project Management and Business Development, with over 5 years of experience in the third sector. She joined LCDT in 2024 and is eager to see Lochhead Gardens’ progress.
Katie Murray
Development Officer
Based in Irvine, Katie has a background in Creative Marketing with previous experience in the third sector at Craft Town Scotland. Proud to have joined LCDT in March 2025.
Sarah Kettles
Project Coordinator, Parish Church
Consultant Sarah Kettles is a conservation professional with 25 years of managing grant-funded heritage projects, working closely with community-led volunteer Trusts. She also has a particular interest in listed church buildings and is thrilled to be working as project coordinator for the Parish church transformation project.
