About Us

In 2010 an opportunity came up to address the concerns, increasingly voiced over a period of years, that changing land use and demographics, particularly at the upper end of both valleys, was leading to question marks over whether people would continue to live and work in these areas.

The loss of hill sheep farms to commercial forestry and game birds, high house prices, coupled with the loss of cottages to rent and the falling rolls of the local schools, were all identified as concerns.

Some long-standing services had been lost like the village post office and shop but services regarded as essential now to most of the population, such as reliable mobile phone coverage and broadband, were still not available.

It was recognised that without new families and people of working age staying in the valleys, life for everyone would be less secure in the short-term and possibly unsustainable in future. A number of actions were taken to address these issues and a Community Development Company was formed which allows us to hold property and raise funding to give us an on- going vehicle for some of the schemes identified that would help our valleys.

Our Board

Trevor Timms (Chairman)

I have lived in Selkirk for 36 years and my wife Jenna and I have spent the last three years building an ecological and sustainable straw-bale house, Harehead Cottage, in the Yarrow valley. We are now happily residents.

I have been President of Selkirk Horticultural Society, Secretary of Selkirk Merchant Company and Chair of The Scottish Transactional Analysis Association and co-founder of The Studio on the Green ( a Scottish Charitable Company ).

Being semi-retired from my career as a Remedial Masseur, Manipulative Therapist and Psychotherapist I look forward to working with an active and experienced board to do what we can to fulfill the EYCDC remit.

Bronwyn Clark (Treasurer)

As a newcomer to the Yarrow Valley in 2023, I have the privilege to view the Megget Reservoir and St Mary’s Loch on my commute to Selkirk. Born in New Zealand, I officially immigrated to Scotland in 2016 but fell in love with the country (and a local) when travelling years earlier.

With an enthusiasm for community involvement and previous experience with Community Development Organisations, I look forward to supporting the aims and visions of EYCDC, while I promote inclusivity and diversity, ensuring everyone is given opportunities to allow for a happy and healthy rural life, and that the natural environment be protected.

Lynne Hume (Company Secretary)

Lynne is a long-term resident of the valleys with her children and grandchildren living and working in the area. She runs a thriving business and is committed to ensuring that a sustainable future is secured for future generations. The Community Development Company has a vital role to play and she is keen to contribute to its success in whatever ways she can.

Marjorie Hutton (Director)

Marjorie has lived in Ettrick valley since 1990 and has been actively involved in the community. She has worked for over 33 years as a Community Learning and Development worker with Scottish Borders Council in a range of roles including youth work, adult learning and community development. She was involved in supporting the early stages of the Development Company as a member of the Steering Group from 2011 -13. Her various roles have all involved a considerable amount of work with the Third Sector and a range of community groups and organisations. She is a member of the Development Company and has been interested in its aims and activity since it began.

Andy Wright (Director)

Originally born and educated in Edinburgh Andy's career has been in Business, working for various blue chip companies across the UK holding roles in Purchasing and Supply Chain, Marketing and Corporate Strategy. He has lived in the Borders for over 20 years. His wife runs the successful borders-based ‘Fiona Henderson School of Dance’. They are both members of Ettrick & Yarrow Church where Andy leads the music. They both love living in the Valleys and are determined to do their bit to support the local community and playing their part in helping this area develop and prosper into the future.

Alison Renwick (Director)

I live on a farm in the Upper Yarrow Valley having moved here in 2014. I am very much involved in the family farm and local community, being secretary of the Yarrow and Ettrick Pastoral Society, responsible for arranging Yarrow Show and other events.

My children attended Yarrow Primary, of which I was Parent Council Chair, and Selkirk High School. The eldest is now at University. I currently work for the Scottish Government in the rural/agricultural sector, having previously been a serving Police officer for over 20 years.

During this time I gained invaluable experience working with people from all walks of life.

Having lived in the countryside all of my life I recognise the importance of sustainable rural communities and look forward to working with EYCDC in supporting this.

Ingrid Earp (Director)

I live in Upper Ettrick and work at both Borders College and Newbattle Abbey College as their Governance Professional on their Boards. Prior to taking up these roles I spent most of my career at the University of Edinburgh where I was a Head of Business Support when I left. I have also been Secretary to the Village Hall Committee where we lived previously and Secretary to the Community Council.

I grew up on a livestock farm on the edge of the Pennines in Northumberland and I’m loving being back on a (small) farm in the Ettrick Valley. The countryside and community here are very similar to where I grew up, so I feel very much at home. I am a strong supporter and advocate of British farming and rural life, and keen to support the Development Company in achieving their goals and contributing to community developments.

I am married to Simon who is Vice-Principal at West Lothian College.

Colin Robson (Director)

I live in the beautiful village of Ettrickbridge and work with the three Citizens Advice Bureau in the Scottish Borders as a Training and Development Officer. I spent 30 years as a Police Officer, based mainly in the Scottish Borders and in different roles, both in Uniform and as a Detective. After retiring from the Police I spent nine very happy years working for the Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service in the United Kingdom and across the world.

I have lived in Ettrickbridge for over nine years and have come to understand how lucky I am to live in such an inclusive and welcome community and I am keen to give something back to the valley communities who have made me and my family so welcome.

I am married to Louise, who spent most of her childhood in Ettrickbridge and who encouraged our family to relocate here.

Vicky Davidson (EYCDC Project Manager)

Vicky grew up on a hill sheep farm in Ettrick and both her brothers still farm in the valley. She previously worked in event management then as a BBC radio producer before moving back to the valley in 2001 with her daughter. She represented the area on Scottish Borders Council from 2003 -2017 where she was the lead councillor for Economic Development from 2007 and for Culture, Sport and Community Development from 2012. She is passionate about rural development and finding sustainable ways for people to continue living and working in this historic and magical area. She was a founding member of EYCDC.