We are Approachable
The Board...
The Board is made up of local independent volunteers who are passionate about the town and committed to making a difference.
The board consists of representatives from the voluntary and education sector, business, cultural, arts and sports, Aberdeenshire Council, Police Scotland and our local MP. With a mix of backgrounds and experience, we’re here to ensure that the Pride in Place Fund is used in ways that truly benefit the community.
guide and help shape the projects that will bring positive change to Peterhead. Things like:
We believe that the best ideas come from the community, so we want to hear from you. Get to know the people behind the project and if you’ve got any thoughts, suggestions or questions, we’re always ready to listen.
Meet the Board
James (Jim) Buchan DL
Chair
Contact: chair@wearepeterhead.co.ukJim is Chair of the Board and sits in on various Board subgroups. Like all members of the Board, Jim is a willing volunteer. He also owns and manages J&J Buchan Ltd, a fabrication and ship repair company at Peterhead harbour.
Jim has extensive experience of business, leadership and public service as he is currently Convenor of Peterhead Port Authority, a Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, Chair of an Advisory Panel for EGL2 Community Benefit Fund and a Trustee of the Northeast of Scotland Coastal Trust. He brings this wealth of experience in working with people across several sectors to his role on the Board.
“What I love about Peterhead is the people. We have a fantastic community spirit with an amazing number of people doing voluntary work and making positive impacts in the town.
I find it a privilege to meet and work with so many dedicated people in so varied walks of life.
I want to see Peterhead become even more successful; a town we can be proud of, encouraging businesses large and small, a destination for visitors, and an even better place to live and work. This is what excites me and why I got involved with The Board.”
LessBrian McCombie
Vice Chair
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, but Brian is always happy to chat about ideas for our town and to hear your views. Please do say hello if you see him out and about.
Brian is a retired solicitor who joined the The Board in 2024. Like all Board members, he’s a volunteer who cares deeply about the place he calls home and wants to help it flourish and prosper.
Brian takes an active role as a Board Vice Chair and in chairing the Communications and High Street, Heritage and Regeneration subgroups, drawing on his skills, experience, and passion for making a difference. Having lived and worked in Peterhead for over 50 years, he has seen the town through many changes and phases and has a genuine affection for its stunning coastline, historic buildings and the warm resilient community spirit that defines it.
“I truly love Peterhead – not just the environment but especially the people who make this town what it is. I enjoy walking by the sea every day and living in the centre of the town being surrounded by the heritage and character that set Peterhead apart. Following retirement last year, it feels like the right time to give something back and help restore confidence and above all else pride in our town.
The 10-year Pride in Place funding will bring so many opportunities – not only to improve and regenerate the town centre and public spaces, but also to create a more vibrant, welcoming place for everyone. Whether you live or are working here or are visiting, there’s much to see and appreciate. I’m proud to be part of a project that can enhance what Peterhead has to offer, support local businesses, and help our community thrive and grow stronger together. I want everyone – residents, those who work here, and visitors alike – to feel that sense of pride and optimism when they walk through our streets.”
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Gary Addison
Vice Chair
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Gary is one of two Vice Chairs on the Board, who works with the Chair to discuss the meeting agendas, bring other board members views to the fore, and engage with public opinion. He is also Chair of the Facilities and Travel subgroup.
Working as an accountant, Gary was born and bred in Peterhead. With his own family going back generations in the local area, he has also worked here all his adult life. Gary started his own accountancy firm in 2002, which now has multiple offices across Scotland, employing over 150 staff. He appreciates the numerous and varied small family-run businesses that still thrive in town.
“I’ve never moved away from Peterhead because it’s a great place and we have such a great quality of life in this area. We have lots of challenges to face, but I believe this town is already successful and with this additional investment from the UK Government, through the Board, it has additional opportunities other towns just don’t have. Peterhead has so much going for it as a town already – we’ve got great beaches, good golf courses, beautiful walks, visitor attractions, the new museum and my own passion, great fishing whether it is river or sea angling; it’s a great place to be. I think being chosen as one of the first 75 towns makes it really important that we do this well and I felt I had to step up, to make sure we listen properly to what people want and make sure we deliver on that – I’m glad I am a part of that.”
LessDianne Beagrie
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or via Facebook
Dianne Beagrie is the Chair of local charity PACT and is involved in supporting a further 5 charities in and around Peterhead. She is also an independent Aberdeenshire Councillor and volunteered to serve on the Board in 2024.
Dianne is a member of both the Communications and the Transport/Connectivity subgroups. She brings considerable understanding of the challenges Peterhead faces because of the work she does through her charity involvement. Dianne is also one of the Peterhead Port Board Members and it is this depth and breadth of experience of the town that gives her the insights she needs for this role. Dianne sits on the board as a representative of Peterhead Area Community Trust.
“I was born and bred in Peterhead, and it is a lovely place, with lovely people. I have a husband, 3 boys and 4 grandchildren and I am passionate about trying to help the community, striving to see things improve. The work we have done at PACT, providing 2 brilliant community spaces for all to use, Barclay Park Community Pitch and Pavilion, Victoria Community Park, full of amenities for young and old alike to enjoy, has given me a real appreciation for what can be done to make a difference in our town.
I hear from all kinds of people about what is good about Peterhead, and I also hear people’s concerns about what isn’t going well. I am always committed to making sure everyone’s voice is heard, and that people feel they have a seat at the table.”
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Matthew James
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk or cllr.m.james@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Matthew James has been a member of the Board since 2024. He serves as a Councillor on Aberdeenshire Council and is one of several councillors appointed to the Board to fulfil the specification outlined by the UK Government. He is also currently a full-time student at The University of Aberdeen, studying Law, having previously worked as an architectural technologist.
Matthew is a member of the Communications subgroup and brings his knowledge and understanding about public service to his role here, drawing on his work on Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services committee and the Buchan Area committee, as well as his professional experience.
“Peterhead is very community spirited; it’s a very engaging place, and a great place to live and work. One of the things I like about it is that we’ve got access to so much natural beauty all around us, with lots to do on our doorstep. It’s a nice town to represent as a councillor and be part of, and I believe the Board is a good opportunity for us all, to ensure that Peterhead is able to grow and become more prosperous and thriving.”
LessSteven Donald
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, alternatively I am on the sales floor at Justrite/Excell sports on Queen Street most days.
Steven Donald has been a volunteer member of the Board since 2024. His family has run retail shops in Peterhead for many decades, and he has personally been working for the company for over 20 years.
Steven is a member of both the Communications and Town Centre and Enterprise subgroups and represents a town centre business on the Board. As part of his role, he is committed to speaking up for the town centre and all who work there and use it. He brings his years of retail experience, commercial know-how and his ability to work alongside lots of different kinds of people, to his role on the Board.
“I’ve lived in Peterhead all my life and worked in the town centre since I was at school. We have an amazing coastline around us and I believe it’s a great place to live, with so much around us that we take for granted. I think for the most part, the people and businesses of the town try to pull together and do their bit for the town in their own way. I want to make sure we hear people’s views and use the resources we’re given each year to try and deliver what is most important for the town, whilst being mindful that there are lots of things we would like to see that will not be possible from this project.”
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Seamus Logan MP
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me; for constituency enquiries, please contact me via my MP’s email address elsewhere.
Seamus Logan is the SNP MP for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East since 4 July 2024 and is one of the five appointed members of the Board.
Seamus spent 33 years in the NHS, training as a mental health social worker, and working at all levels before retiring in 2013 as regional director. For much of the next decade, he worked as a coach driver and tourist guide across the region. His interest in politics goes back to student days and in Ireland, where he was active as a campaigner for a number of politicians. He joined the SNP in 2018 when he moved to Fraserburgh and campaigned in local and national elections before election to Aberdeenshire Council for the Fraserburgh and District Ward in 2022, and then MP in 2024. As an MP he serves as the SNP’s spokesperson on Health and Social Care, and also on DEFRA. He is also Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries.
“The truth is that what I love about Peterhead and the northeast of Scotland is the people. I come from the northeast of Ireland, and I find so many things that both peoples have in common. They are forthright, even a little brusque; hardworking, industrious and imaginative, coping with many different challenges. I felt very at home when I arrived here, and having been elected by them, I find Peterhead very hospitable, and very welcoming to the stranger that I first was.”
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Gareth Hannan
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
As the Police Scotland Area Commander for Aberdeenshire North, Gareth is one of the five appointed members of the Board, and he also sits as the chair of the Safer and Stronger subgroup.
Gareth is the Area Commander for Aberdeenshire North for Police Scotland and responsible for all operational and community policing within that area, which includes Peterhead. This local knowledge and expertise, combined with a deep understanding of the area is one of the reasons senior police have been appointed to the Pride in Place Boards around the UK. Gareth previously worked as a Sergeant in Peterhead for a number of years.
“Part of the senior police role on the Board is to provide guidance on what is possible and what isn’t from a policing perspective, bringing that specific expertise on what’s achievable and what can be delivered. For me, what will make all the difference is that Peterhead has got a real feeling of community spirit and togetherness. My policing experience tells me that it is relatively unique for a community with such a diverse demographic of nationalities to have that really strong sense of community and this is all in Peterhead’s favour.”
LessAllan Sneddon
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Allan Sneddon is a retired police officer and as well as his role on the Board, Allan chairs Peterhead Community Council and runs an inclusive Bike Bothy which enables able, disabled and neurodiverse clients to enjoy cycling on a weekly basis. Like all Board members, Allan is a volunteer and brings a wealth of public service to his role on the Board, which includes working as part of the Safer and Stronger subgroup.
Allan values listening to and learning from the people of Peterhead and has been Chair of Peterhead Community Council since 2022. He worked first in the civil service and then as a police officer, engaging with a wide range of people from military, civilian and even royal backgrounds. Volunteering with the Community Council, supporting local people during the pandemic with shopping and local residents support, assisting with the Peterhead Men’s Shed, and now as a member of the Board, are all Allan’s way of giving something back as a visible, responsible and active member of this community of Blootooners.
“Peterhead is a beautiful town, with an incredible community feel and I am passionate about bringing all kinds of people together to have a voice, regardless of their age or background. I’d like to think I have a generous capacity and approach to helping people and I want to work to bring greater personal civic pride to everyone who lives here. I also have a particular interest in seeing young people develop and grow as community ambassadors to ensure that the Peterhead of tomorrow is fit and ready for the youngsters of today.”
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Duncan Abernethy
Associate Member
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Duncan Abernethy is a senior leader at NESCol with twenty years’ experience driving commercial strategy, innovation, and organisational growth. He has led major initiatives that strengthen partnerships, expand opportunities and deliver lasting impact for learners, staff, and communities across the north east of Scotland. He is also convener at Fraserburgh South Links Sports Development Trust where he leads a committee in the development of sports facilities for local communities.
Before moving into education, Duncan spent 15 years with ScottishPower, where he built a strong reputation as a Senior Authorised Distribution Engineer and Project Manager with experience in the implementation of 6 Sigma.
“Peterhead has a proud heritage driven by a hard work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit and with the opportunities that Pride In Place funding can bring, Peterhead’s population can look forward to an exciting future with the promise of new jobs in renewables and digital technologies as well as the more traditional industries that the town was built on. NESCol and the Scottish Maritime Academy are well placed to support individuals and businesses as they embrace the opportunities which emerge and we look forward to seeing the town flourish.”
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Cllr Stephen Smith
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Councillor Stephen Smith is one of the five appointed members of the Board, and he also serves on the Town Centre & Enterprise subgroup.
Stephen has been a councillor for 19 years and is also officer manager for the local MP. Before that he worked for a previous MSP, and his career started in banking and finance at the Clydesdale Bank in Peterhead. His current job means he is used to hearing the concerns and passions of the local community in Peterhead and his role on the Board will give him an additional opportunity to engage with the community and ensure that the projects that go ahead are shaped by the local community as well.
“Peterhead has a great sense of community. There are a huge number of organisations that do things across the town, which is best shown through the packed programme we all enjoy at Peterhead’s Scottish Week, which is put together by volunteers and planned throughout the year. We have a lifeboat based in the town too, another example of people giving up their time for the benefit of others, and it’s something I really appreciate about the community. The Board is here to discover how to use this extra money from UK Government to benefit the people of the town and I am looking forward to hearing local people’s views and seeing what we can do with it for the best over the next ten years.”
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Bryan MacKay
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Bryan joined the Board in July 2025 and was appointed because of his experience working in the charity sector for over 30 years.
Bryan grew up here, leaving to work in Leeds for 15 years, returning 20 years ago to work for Aberdeen Foyer, an organisation with a proud presence in Peterhead Town Centre. At Aberdeen Foyer he led the Learning Team as Service Manager and then became Fundraising Manager. Bryan currently works at Balfour Beatty, as a Community Liaison Officer. Bryan’s role involves building positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring they are informed and engaged with Balfour Beatty’s projects, addressing concerns, and helping maximise the social value and community benefits our work delivers.
Many of the teams he worked with also delivered community projects in Peterhead, fostering pride and connection among participants. Consequently, he has a strong local knowledge and understands what it takes to initiate, deliver and see projects through.
“Peterhead is the largest fishing port in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, and that’s something to be proud of. I love living and working here – I’m a dad of four, and I’m an active member of the running club, which means I make the most of our outstanding outdoor spaces. Passionate about community and collaboration, I am committed to working alongside residents to shape Peterhead into a place where future generations can thrive.”
LessScott Will
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Scott Will joined the Board as a liaison and ambassador for Score, the largest employer in the town. Recognising the significant direct and indirect influence that Score has in the local area, Scott was motivated to apply for Board membership to help strengthen the link between the business and the wider community.
With over 30 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry, Scott began his career as an apprentice and worked his way up to become a Business Unit Director at Score. The company employs a substantial number of people in Peterhead and the surrounding Buchan area, while also playing a key role in training and developing young talent from the local community. Scott brings hands-on project management expertise, guiding initiatives from initial concept through to successful delivery.
“Peterhead has a rich heritage in the Fishing and Oil & Gas industries, and now with the growth of Renewables, there is so much potential and promise here. The people of Peterhead are honest, hardworking, and resilient – qualities I want to champion, ensuring the Board listens to and reflects the community’s aspirations for the coming decade.”
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Karen Day
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Karen’s role on the Board gives her an opportunity to represent Peterhead Scottish Week, the community group that organises nine days of fun for the family in Peterhead every July.
Professionally, Karen is Director of Sales for Crowne Plaza and Holiday Express at Aberdeen Airport. This gives her a strong skill set involving key themes of budgeting, tourism, customer service and project delivery. Prior to her role there, she was General Manager at the Waterside Hotel in Peterhead, and this career path has given her a strong understanding about how being involved in Peterhead matters. Her role with Peterhead Scottish Week has provided Karen with firsthand experience working with a range of community groups to improve both areas of deprivation and tourism in the town.
“The Board membership for me means that Peterhead Scottish Week has a voice, and that’s important because it’s such a core fundamental part of the town. For me, it was important to be involved, because Peterhead Scottish Week is such a strong platform for everyone in the town to showcase themselves, and through that we get a really good visual of what the town needs and we might shape things for Peterhead’s future. I was born and bred here, and I am really proud of that – the people, the community; if you’ve got a challenge and you present it in the right way, it will back you all the way. It is a town with a village mentality and that really gives you a sense of pride and a positive glow to belong there. The more you give Peterhead, the more Peterhead will give you back.”
Happy to connect via LinkedIn and people to talk to me when you see me.
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Terry Moran
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
Terry Moran owns a small hotel in Peterhead and has been on the Board since 2024. She brings decades of working with people, listening to what they want and need, and how to deliver that effectively and in a timely manner to her role.
Her background is in silver service in the City of London, spending idyllic childhood summers in Peterhead, where her mum came from. When the Waterside Hotel in Peterhead was opening in 1979, she saw an opportunity to live and work in the town she’d grown to love. She now owns her own small hotel and loves meeting all her guests, who are mostly people working in the area, and families and friends coming for celebrations. She also prioritises networking in the wider Peterhead business community and has previously been involved with the Tourist Board, the Bid, and gets involved each year with Peterhead Scottish Week.
“When the Board was forming, I was approached to see if I would get involved and because I feel so strongly about Peterhead, I applied. I just believe passionately in the town. We have incredible scenery, our seas, our hills; Fisher Jessie was designed by Andy Scott, who designed the Kelpies. It’s a place people come to shop and play golf; we have destination shops – a sports shop, four different women’s boutiques, a pram shop, a wedding shop, a department store, a baby shop – all reasons to come into our town. People love the freedom here, the walks, the long days in the summer, it is a lovely place to live. The opportunity this provides will help Peterhead take its next step.”
LessLorraine Reid
Associate Member
Contact: contact@wearepeterhead.co.uk, or please speak to me if you see me
A passion for sport and physical activity, developed in my youth, has been a characteristic of my working life. Recently retired, I worked in prison education units and prison gymnasiums at both Peterhead Prison and HMP and YOI Grampian. Previous experience working schools, community education and the prison system furnished me with a wide range of experiences and respect for communities within communities.
Raised in Blackpool, relocating to the Peterhead area over 25 years ago with 2 young sons, I learned first-hand how it feels to be an ‘outsider’ and the importance of ‘belonging’. The impact a healthy, connected community with a range of local based activities is paramount to the success of individuals and therefore the area as a whole.
I Chair Peterhead Netball Club and I am supporting the development of Peterhead Sports Hub whose objective is to grow sports, health and wellbeing in Peterhead. A regular community gym user, runner, netball player, coach and umpire. I sit on the Executive Committee at Aberdeen District Netball Association, coach District players and Netball Scotland national pathway.
Lorraine said, “Peterhead is a developing town with beautiful natural resources and facilities that are ripe for development and future proofing. I see a vibrant community with a vast range of interests and it is important that future investment is utilised to serve the majority for years to come.”
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