About Us

Green Energy Mull

Green Energy Mull was incorporated as an independent Registered Society by Mull & Iona Community Trust in 2013 to own and operate Garmony Hydro, the first community owned renewable energy project on Mull. The 400kW hydro scheme above Garmony Rugby Club was completed in 2015 and continues to perform well thanks to the plentiful rainfall on Mull!

The Waterfall Fund

The Waterfall Fund was established as an independent charity by Mull & Iona Community Trust in 2015 specifically to receive the net profits from the Garmony Hydro Scheme and to distribute them as grants to community projects on the islands of Mull, Iona and the surrounding small islands, in a fair, open and transparent manner.

There are usually ten Trustees of the Waterfall Fund, appointed from a variety of positions within the local community.

To benefit from a Waterfall Fund grant, you must be a resident, community group or business within the postcode areas of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Gometra, Erraid, Calve Island and Inch Kenneth. Each grant has a set of criteria. The Trustees consider each application in relation to those criteria and to the resources available for distribution at that time.

From time to time, Green Energy Mull may decide to vary the available grants and adjust the criteria for receipt of them.

Our Trustees

Jane Menzies

I moved to Mull 40 years ago. I worked as local solicitor for a Glasgow firm based in Tobermory for 5 years until they were taken over. This allowed me to meet many of the local population and advise them on varied aspects of life. It was all rewarding whilst also challenging due to commuting distant and juggling family duties. I had different au-pairs and childminders. When my third child came along it was easier to be a stay at home mum. I have held various voluntary positions in the church, school, progressive care centre and the community. All of that has been satisfying as I am glad to contribute to the smooth running of this close knit and vibrant community. My husband was a manger with Scottish Sea Farms for 40 years based mainly at Loch Spelve before he retired. Our 3 girls have all moved away but love returning as much as they can.

Sue Hawkes

I have been a Trustee of The Waterfall Fund for the last 10 years. My working background covers a range of environments: commercial and public, rural and urban, latterly working as a primary school teacher and Head Teacher, including at Bunessan Primary School. Currently, I live in central Mull. It is a privilege to be involved with this Fund, helping to distribute the proceeds of Garmony Community Hydro scheme – trying to be as fair and generous as possible but to interpret the criteria consistently.

Becki Marsland

I live in Salen and have been on the Island for nearly 15 years. Throughout this entire time I have been employed full time at the Bank in Tobermory (formerly Clydesdale, now Virgin Money). I have worked my way up through every role within the Tobermory office and for the last 6 years I have been the Bank Manager. Although my role has changed over the years, it has given me a good knowledge of Island life and the Community within it. Outside of the bank I am a keen cyclist, hill walker and for many years I was a Zumba Instructor holding classes in Tobermory, Salen and Craignure.

Cathy Paton

I came to live here on Mull with my late husband Rev. Johnny Paton eight years ago. I have forty seven years experience in the Care Sector. Firstly as a Psychiatric Nurse for fourteen years and then as a Care Manager with CrossReach throughput Scotland for the remainder of my working career. Five years ago with the help of others we opened the doors of Mull Safe and Sound. A successful support group here on Mull and Iona. I also serve as an elder in North Mull Parish Churches. Also a member and trustee of many other committees too on the island. My passion for helping others has never faltered over the years.

Richard Gawthrope

I moved to Mull in 2008 and, together with my wife, have raised our five sons here. As a family, we have made many good friends and have enjoyed the benefits and opportunities that life on Mull brings. I am also fully aware of the many challenges that are part of island life.

I came to the island to work at Tobermory High School as Primary Depute Head Teacher and twice served as Acting Head Teacher for the 2–18 campus. I also spent nearly a year as Joint Acting Head Teacher for Bunessan and Dervaig Primary Schools, and I am now Head Teacher at Bunessan Primary School. Having the opportunity to work across the island has enabled me to develop strong relationships and a clear understanding of its different communities.

Joanne Macinnes

Joanne is based on the Isle of Iona, where she lives on a beef and sheep farm with her husband, two children and many animals of varying temperaments. She is a professional fundraiser with over 20 years of fundraising, marketing, research and events experience, across national, local and community organisations. She first came to Iona to work summer seasons whilst studying for a Leisure & Rural Tourism degree before moving here permanently over 20 years ago. In that time she has worked remotely for a number of mainland-based charities, is part of the Iona Craft Shop team and volunteers in a number of different capacities.

James MacLennan

I live in Aros Mains and have been living on Mull just short of 40 years with my wife. Our 3 adult children grew up on Mull and have now moved away but come back on a regular basis. Until I retired, I worked for CalMac in Tobermory and before that in private industry internationally. Since retiring and having more time to be involved in community projects I have joined Mull Community Council and have become a board member of MICT.

I came to the Waterfall fund through Mull Community Council. Seeing the transformative change that the money raised by Green Energy Mull can have on people and projects on the island for me is very exciting and impressive.

TRICIA EVANS

I have now lived on the Isle of Mull for over 18 years and I have been a Primary Teacher for over 35 years. I now teach part time and I enjoy volunteering. I am active in my local community especially volunteering with Dervaig Community Orchard, Dervaig Village Hall and the Community Library. I am passionate about our the environment and starting local – I enjoy growing fruit and vegetables and being as sustainable as possible. 

KAREN NONHEBEL

Karen moved to Mull in 1999 with her late husband, Andrew, where their 3 children have grown up. Karen has 35 years’ experience as a nurse, predominantly working with children. She is currently the specialist school nurse for Mull and Iona. As well as a trustee for The Waterfall Fund, Karen is a trustee for Jubilee House, a charity based in Paisley which supports women who have experienced domestic abuse. Karen is passionate about the community in which she lives and works, and she is an active member of the local church.