bellfield team

Gail joined us from a long career in a retail environment and then many years in Property & Estate Administration at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
”Since joining Action Porty and working at Bellfield, I have met so many interesting and wonderful people that live, work and play in this fantastic community and that is not just our wonderful & loyal volunteers!

It is fantastic that the locals have taken us to the hearts even if that means our small team is kept extremely busy, and no two days are the same, but we wouldn't want it any other way.

Clients have become friends and new friendships & collaborations have been made between many of our regular clients and visitors.

I am looking forward to the further development of Bellfield, providing us with better facilities. Exciting times ahead.”

“After a change of career it has been brilliant to land on my feet here at Bellfield assisting the main administrator, Gail.  I've enjoyed learning so much here in this dynamic, friendly and ever changing organisation and am excited about the changes to come. 

This part-time role in the heart of the community I've lived in for 25 years, has given me more time to spend with family and enjoy all that Portobello has to offer” 

One of Alison's favourite jobs was her first graduate job, coordinating a project for refugee volunteers in Glasgow and she was delighted to join Action Porty for a similar role in December 2021.

Inbetween times she has managed international development projects, designed and delivered training, worked in community education for adults and on employability projects and has done a lot of volunteering along the way.

Alison describes herself as a pseudo-resident of Portobello as she spends most of her free time here. She can frequently be found on the prom and the beach, with her young son and/or her sailing boat.

alison@actionporty.com

justin kenrick

Chair, Bellfield Operations Board (& Chair of Action Porty)

Supports forest peoples in Africa to retain or regain their community lands with the Forest Peoples Programme. Supports community assembly processes in Scotland and elsewhere with Grassroots to Global.

Longtime peace and climate activist. Anthropologist.

Portobello resident since 1998. See Brief bio in Porty Reporter (page 2).

justin@actionporty.com or (more swiftly) justinkenrick@yahoo.co.uk

alexa@actionporty.com

ian cooke

Secretary, Bellfield Operations Board (& Secretary of Action Porty)

Before retiring in 2020, Ian was Director of Development Trusts Association Scotland, a post he held for over 10 years. Prior to that he held various community-based posts in regeneration. Ian was a member of the Scottish Government’s Land Reform Review Group and has served on a range of boards of community organisations.

He has been a Portobello resident for more than 35 years, and also grew up in the Portobello area.

ian@actionporty.com

morag donaldson

Bellfield Operations Board Member

Retired former Local Government Officer working in Benefits and Council Tax. Active member of local church congregation and involved in the Local Council of Churches.

Resident of Portobello for more than 65 years.

Founding member of Action Porty Board, up until October 2023.

morag@actionporty.com

al reid

Bellfield Operations Board Member

Public servant involved in the research and scrutiny of a broad range of environment and sustainable development issues, with a longstanding interest in land reform.

A Porty resident since 2010, in his spare time he teaches yoga, and loves spending time with his family by the seaside.

Member of Action Porty Board from January 2018 - October 2023.

al@actionporty.com

kyrsta macdonald-scott

Bellfield Operations Board member

Physiotherapist. Passionate about accessibility for all – which is reflected in personal and professional experience.

Life-long Porty resident who is involved in a range of Portobello-based activities.

Member of Action Porty Board until October 2023

kyrsta@actionporty.com