ABOUT
Find out more information about The Waterfall Fund, it’s trustees and Green Energy Mull.
GREEN ENERGY MULL
Green Energy Mull was formed by Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT) 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 MICT 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 ten Trustees of the Waterfall Fund, appointed from statutory positions within the local community: Local Authority Councillor, Community Councillors from Mull and Iona, General Practitioner, head teachers, church minister and bank manager plus two co-opted members of the diaspora of Mull and Iona who have strong links to the islands.
The Waterfall Fund distributes grants in accordance with a set criteria of eligibility. The funding is open to all residents, community groups and businesses within the post code areas of Mull and Iona including Ulva, Gometra, Erraid, Calve Island and Inch Kenneth, and is for the benefit of those areas only.
THE TRUSTEES
Jane Menzies
I moved to Mull almost 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 many aspects of life. It was all rewarding whilst also challenging. I had many different aupairs abd 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 and the community. All rewarding, and 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. Our3 girls have all moved away but love returning as much as possible.
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.
SUE HAWKES
I moved to Mull at the end of 2014 to take up the post of Head Teacher at Bunessan Primary School - a great opportunity to work at the heart of the community of South-West Mull. Now retired, I have more time to contribute to community projects such as the Waterfall Fund. I worked as a Head Teacher and Class Teacher for over 20 years in Yorkshire and Hampshire and have lived in many parts of the UK. Before teaching, I was in Human Resources in both Construction and Life Assurance in Bristol. I live in Pennyghael with my husband, a retired Structural Engineer. I hope that my wide range of experience helps me to add useful perspective to the mix of backgrounds amongst the other Trustees.
VIC LINNEMAN
Living north of the border since 1969. Qualified Dundee 1975 Worked In Papua New Guinea and Fife. Final, happiest seven years as a GP in Tobermory. Happily retired with Alison, and busier than ever, gardening, wood turning, Gaelic choir, grandchildren!
Richard Gawthrope
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.
Joanne MACINNES
Joanne is based on the Isle of Iona, where she lives on a farm with her husband, two children and many and varied animals. She is a professional fundraiser with almost 20 years of fundraising, marketing, research and events experience, gained within 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 11 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, with a keen interest in voluntary sector and community development, is an active member of a number of local groups. In 2014, Joanne participated in the inaugural Rural Parliament in Oban.
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