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Community Land Scotland

Helen MacDonald, Local Development Officer, Mull and Iona Community Trust

     

    Have you always worked in the third sector? 
    Not third sector, but mainly public sector for various organisations in Glasgow and Edinburgh before returning home to Mull and joining MICT in April 2014.

    What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at work?
    Check emails, have a cup of tea and catch up on the office chat, currently the organisation of a staff Thai & gin tasting night

    It is MICT’s 20th birthday this year, what do you feel is the biggest achievement for MICT in that time?
    I think the fact that MICT has delivered such a wide variety of projects over the last 20 years, all are significant in different ways, some more high profile than others.  And of course, I am very proud of our Ulva Ferry Housing Project and the positive impact that has had for the Ulva Ferry community.

    What would be your one piece of advice to young people in your community?
    Get involved, if you want something to happen get a group of folk together and see what you can do.  There is a lot of support out there and younger people often have a fresh approach to issues.

    What does your dream retirement look like?
    Lots of travelling and reading hopefully.

    What’s your favourite film?
    I’m a sucker for a romcom, no sci-fi or gore!

    What do you procrastinate over?
    Everything! But mainly planning holidays. And filing.

    What do you think are the main strengths of Community Land Scotland?
    It’s influential role and support of community groups, and getting people together at national and local events – any I have attended have been very worthwhile.

    What is your favourite holiday destination in Scotland?
    I’m lucky to live on beautiful Mull, but love the mountains and pine forests of the Cairngorms, and there’s lots for families to do there.

    Is Facebook your friend or your enemy?
    Definite friend, I use it a lot for work (social media really helped our Buy-a-Brick campaign, raising over £22,000 for the Housing Project), and for organising daily life through groups, messenger etc.