Governance

Margot started her working life at the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in press and public relations. She  went into the hospitality industry owning two pubs in West Lothian.  Based on her experience in the pub trade, Margot trained to work with people experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol.

Margot became the CEO of a local drug and alcohol charity developing new services in West Lothian.  During this time she sat on many policy development and advisory committees both at local and national level.  Margot has been a board director of other charities in Lothian and has 30 years  experience of working in the voluntary sector.

Since retiring she has been pursuing her love of music by presenting a radio show for a local community radio station.

Now retired, Sandy was a senior manager with West Lothian Council with responsibility for Social Strategy and the Council’s relationship with and funding for the Voluntary Sector. His professional training is in Community Work and Adult Education. As a Director and Trustee of Acredale House he brings an extensive knowledge of the voluntary sector in West Lothian, and both local and national policy developments. Sandy has served as a board member on a number of other local and national organisations.

My Name is Frances Aitken; I am one of the Directors in Acerdale. I live in West Lothian and work full time as a Dementia Nurse Specialist at St John’s Hospital. I am passionate about helping our older generation find some purpose to everyday

Gill Cottrell is currently working as a Coach with NHS Lothian having retired from her post as Chief Nurse for West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership. Gill’s career spanned over 40 years and seen her work in various roles as a qualified Nurse, Midwife, Health Visitor, Locality Manager and Chief Nurse.

Gill came out of retirement to take up post helping registered nurses with their career and development through mentoring and coaching. Gill has a long association with the voluntary sector and is currently the Vice Chair of West Lothian Drug and Alcohol Services.

Gill has been part of Acredale’s Board of Directors for 18 months and has a particular interest in Frailty and supporting patient’s and families who have had a diagnosis of Frailty or Dementia.

Gary spent most of his professional career with the Scottish Ambulance Service in roles ranging from Paramedic to a Senior Management position.  Specialising in risk & resilience management Gary was involved in many projects relating to current threats, such as pandemic outbreaks, adverse weather, major events, and counter terrorism.  Gary also acted as the project director for the emergency medical cover at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

In recognition for his distinguished service, Gary was awarded the Queens Ambulance Service Medal (QAM) in the 2013 New Year’s Honours.

Now retired following 32 years of service, Gary runs his own management consultancy business, and over the past 5 years has been involved in major incident training in Saudi Arabia, audit of all English Ambulance Services, training of the Covid 19 Co-ordination Team for NHS England, and is currently involved in the delivery of a new critical communication system for all ambulance services across Great Britain.

Gary lives within the West Lothian area and enjoys any free time he has going for walks through the many scenic routes that the area has to offer. 

Agnes Ritchie is an Associate Nurse Director for NHS Lothian with responsibility for services as the Nurse Director for the St John’s Hospital Site Livingston, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion Edinburgh and Pan Lothian Endoscopy Services.

Agnes’s career in the NHS spans over 40 years and began her nursing career in Bangour General Hospital. Agnes has worked across various specialities and sites these include, Medical, Haematology, Orthopaedic Trauma, Surgical and Intensive Care. Some of these roles were within the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Western General Hospital Edinburgh. Most of Agnes’s career has been spent within West Lothian and her current role in nurse management is based at St John’s Hospital in Livingston. Her particular areas of interest are Frailty and patients who have had a diagnosis with a Dementia.

On a personal level Agnes is a Rotarian and past District Governor of District 1020 and enjoys volunteering to help various organisations hence her current involvement and appointment to the Board of Directors at Acredale House, Bathgate.

West Lothian resident Emma has 11years financial experience working in banking.

For the past 8 years Emma has also been caring for her grandad who has dementia.

This has inspired Emma to change career and she is currently studying to go to university to study nursing.