The Board

William is a Trustee Ambassador for Creative Activities

William has a history of being active in the community. Prior to being elected as an East Ayrshire – Ballochmyle Ward 7 Councillor in 2022 he was the Secretary of Mauchline Community Council, and more recently was a Trustee of Mauchline Community Association SCIO.

William’s background was initially in Electrical Engineering and later in the Computer Industry. On leaving school he served an apprenticeship with British Coal. The closure of the mines in the 80’s led to a complete change of career and a fresh start with Digital Equipment Corp., Compaq Computer Corp., and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.

William is looking forward to the challenges ahead as the Trust transitions to better meet the needs of its communities and partners.

Caroline is a Trustee for Commercial Activities

Caroline was elected as an SNP Councillor following a by-election in 2025. She represents the Kilmarnock North Ward. 

Caroline has lived in Kilmarnock for 30 years. She is 53 years old with two sons and a family dog. She enjoys walking, politics and going to the cinema. 

Her background was in corporate business travel management for large travel companies before moving into their central I.T. Helpdesk as an Operational Best Practice Manager. Following a short career break when her youngest son was born, Caroline started working in politics managing the office of the former MSP for 11 years before his recent retirement. 

Caroline is excited to be part of the Ayrshire360 Board

James is our Trustee Ambassador for Community Activities

James represents Ward 3 Kilmarnock West and Crosshouse.

Born and bred in East Ayrshire, James has a wealth of high level experience in the sport, leisure and recreation sector having worked at both the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.  James was previously Head of Learning and Skills for Sport, Fitness and Hospitality at Ayrshire College where he enjoyed working to develop the future workforce of the region. Prior to this position he successfully managed leisure clubs in the private sector and worked in Higher Education leading sports provision at UWS as the programme leader.

Educated at Kilmarnock Academy before gaining an honours degree in Leisure and Recreation Management from Glasgow University, James has over thirty year’s experience working in the public, private and voluntary sectors throughout East Ayrshire.

James is a member of the Scottish Football Association South West Development group and has been responsible for developing free football programmes for school children across East Ayrshire.  James can often be found in the gym, or playing rugby at Ayrshire Athletics Arena where he is a volunteer club coach working with young athletes.

Linda is our Trustee Ambassador for Corporate Activities

Linda lives in Kilmarnock, and has worked for NHS Ayrshire & Arran for almost 20 years, her current post is Digital Services Administrator.  She is a local activist for Unite The Union, as well as being a Workplace Representative.  Linda was also a keen member and Secretary of a very active Community Council in Kilmarnock until she became a Councillor.

She has lived her entire life in Ayrshire, and almost all of it in East Ayrshire, and is very proud of her roots. 

Linda is looking forward to being involved with the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust, as she thinks they do incredible work all across East Ayrshire across a wide range of sport and cultural events, and she relishes the idea of being part of improving and expanding what the Trust offers to the residents of, and visitors to, East Ayrshire.

Graham is our Trustee Ambassador for Creative Activities

Graham was a Physics teacher in local secondary schools for 28 years.  He has an interest in local history and is a member of Kilmarnock & District History Group where he developed a Town Trail Education Resource which allows all primary school pupils to explore their local history and heritage through active learning.

Graham was also the Teacher Representative in Cabinet and is a Councillor for Ward 4.  He is interested in travel, geopolitics, history, sport and nowadays Urbex. 

Joe is our ex-officio Trustee

Joe McLachlan is Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council. He has over 40 years of local government experience.  Joe was the Council’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Finance & Digital, a post held since 2021, prior to being promoted to Chief Executive.

In his role as Chief Executive, Joe is the Council’s Chief Adviser on policy matters and is responsible for ensuring the efficient, effective and equitable implementation of the Council’s vision and strategic priorities, as set out within the Community Plan.

Joe is passionate about supporting communities and those most in need.  He practices his role and experience to progress initiatives aimed at reducing inequalities and delivering real opportunities for individuals, families and businesses throughout East Ayrshire.

Joe is committed to working to deliver the best services and outcomes possible for the people of East Ayrshire.

David is our ex-officio Trustee

David is a champion of public service and has devoted his life to the communities of East Ayrshire. He joined the Council at reorganisation in 1996 from Strathclyde Regional Council, as Principal Solicitor before being appointed as Head of Administration and Legal Services in 2001.

David became Acting Depute Chief Executive - Communities and Economy in June 2026. He is responsible for services that directly impact every resident within East Ayrshire including Housing, Waste, Facilities & Property Management and Ayrshire Roads Alliance, as well as leading on the Kilmarnock town centre regeneration masterplan, working with Community Planning Partners and the third sector to deliver targeted and thoughtful improvements to ensure that Kilmarnock and its communities can flourish.

David is a devoted husband and father. He has two boys, aged 26 and 28, and two beloved dogs, who he enjoys spending his free time with hill walking.

Jim is the Trustee Ambassador for Corporate Activities

Jim is a former member of East Ayrshire Council, who served between 2007 and 2022.  Prior to that, he worked in Mining and laterally the Oil and Gas Industry.

Living at Stair in East Ayrshire, he is married to Hilary and they have a Son, Daughter and one Grandson. Jim is passionate about sport and travel and is also the current Chairperson of Kilmarnock Sub Aqua Club.

He has professional qualifications in Electrical Engineering and Safety and Risk Management.

Having served on East Ayrshire Leisure previously as an Elected member, he recognises the good work carried out by the Trust in the past and in particular, the substantive challenges for the Trust going forward.

David is our Trustee Ambassador for Commercial Activities

David F. Ross is an architect and writer.  He is a director of Keppie, the internationally successful design practice based in Glasgow that counts Charles Rennie Mackintosh among its former partners.  David led the team responsible for the design and delivery of Ayrshire College and The HALO.  He is an Honorary Fellow of West College Scotland.  He is a published author of fiction, with five acclaimed novels all set in East Ayrshire.

Rob is the Trustee Ambassador for Community Activities 

Suzanne is our Trustee Ambassador for Creative Activities

Suzanne is a Psychotherapist / Counsellor and runs her Private Practice in Southcraigs where she sees individuals as well as couples. She also works with Relationships Scotland and volunteers for Cruse Bereavement Scotland.

After 30 years in international business, including living in Switzerland and San Francisco, Suzanne wanted to return to her home town of Kilmarnock. She lives in the area with her husband and daughter. She enjoys theatre, live music and exploring new creative outlets.

Andy is a Trustee Ambassador for Corporate Activities and is our Trade Union Trustee

Andy has worked as a joiner within East Ayrshire Council for over 40 years and has been a Trade Union Official for Unite the Union for over 30 years.