OUR EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Directors of the company are legally responsible for the management and legal oversight of the business.
Linda Johnston, Co-founder and Executive Chairperson
Linda co-founded the resort in 1988 with her late husband, Iain. She still works on-site, mostly strategically, but is also involved in the practical side of the business. She is passionate about all things Auchrannie, chairs the Executive Board and represents the Resort externally, working with a broad range of public and private stakeholders. She was a founding Director of VisitArran in 2012, is currently a Director of Arran Development Trust and Co-chaired the Fair Work Conventions Inquiry into Scottish Hospitality held from 2022 to 2024.
Richard Small, Resort Director
Richard has been in his current role since 2007 and is in charge of all operations and infrastructure at Auchrannie. His knowledge of everything Auchrannie is exceptional, as is his attention to detail. Richard first started work at Auchrannie as a kitchen porter, aged 14. Since then, he has spent most of his working life working his way through the ranks in many different roles at Auchrannie. He has also undertaken extensive professional development and has taken several “career breaks” to experience work elsewhere.
Colin Morrison, Finance Director
Colin joined Auchrannie in 2009 and plays a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction. As Finance Director, he oversees our financial operations and ensures full legal compliance at all times.
OUR OPERATING BOARD
Responsible for operating all aspects of the Resort and includes our Executive Board members.
Garrie Ross, Resort Manager
Garrie is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the entire resort. His primary objectives are to foster collaboration across the team, to deliver exceptional holiday experiences for our guests, and to provide ongoing support to team members throughout the organisation.
Kate Aitken, HR Director
Kate and her team ensure that we live our fair work ethos by recruiting great people and ensuring that everyone has the skills and support they need to deliver Auchrannie's vision of "hospitality with passion and personality.”
Gordon Hay, Revenue & Systems Director
Gordon looks after the Front of House and ASPA team. He also manages revenue growth, marketing, and IT for the entire resort, implementing systems and processes to improve business efficiency, support great customer service, and keep Auchrannie ahead of the curve in both data analysis and digital innovation.
David Johnston, Projects Director
David, the nephew of our late co-founder Iain Johnston, joined Auchrannie in 2002 and has since progressed through various roles to his current position. In his day-to-day role, David oversees the maintenance and grounds teams to ensure our buildings and estate are always pristine. He is also responsible for ensuring full compliance with Health and Safety regulations, managing ongoing development projects, and driving our efforts toward achieving net zero.
Jillian Plenderleith, Recreations Strategy Director
Jillian came to Auchrannie on a gap year in 1997 and she’s still with us. She provides strategic and operational oversight and support to the Recreations and Senior team, developing new products and ensuring that our Recreations department (pools, gym, games hall, Playbarn, and Arran Adventure) operates safely and compliantly.
Our Employee Ownership Trust Board
Responsible for ensuring that the Operating Board run the company in accordance with the ethos of the Employee Trust.
Andrew Harrison (Independent Trustee)
Paulina Olkiewicz (Employee appointed trustee)
David Baird (Employee appointed trustee)
Colin Morrison (Company appointed trustee)
David Johnston (Company appointed trustee)
