Meet the Ambassadors
Christine Esson
Global Connector supporting business growth. Co – Founder Scottish Business Network
Listen to Christine’s ScotsCare podcast episode here.
Christine is a practically focused economic development specialist with significant expertise gained from working in global public and private sector organisations. Christine specialises in supporting businesses to successfully and sustainably enter new markets.
She is co-founder of the Scottish Business Network (www.sbn.scot) a not for profit global community, a proud Ambassador of Womens Enterprise Scotland, a Trustee of Smart Works, Scotland and a member of Mint Ventures, a woman led business angel investment club as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, in recognition of her global leadership and the drive to empower women in the workplace.
“ScotsCare provides essential services to Scots that have fallen on hard times, turning around lives, and I want to give back by using my platform to help them reach more Scots in need.”
Christine Esson
Global Connector supporting business growth. Co – Founder Scottish Business Network
You can listen to Christine’s ScotsCare podcast episode here.
Christine is a practically focused economic development specialist with significant expertise gained from working in global public and private sector organisations. Christine specialises in supporting businesses to successfully and sustainably enter new markets.
She is co-founder of the Scottish Business Network (www.sbn.scot) a not for profit global community, a proud Ambassador of Womens Enterprise Scotland, a Trustee of Smart Works, Scotland and a member of Mint Ventures, a woman led business angel investment club as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts, in recognition of her global leadership and the drive to empower women in the workplace.
“ScotsCare provides essential services to Scots that have fallen on hard times, turning around lives, and I want to give back by using my platform to help them reach more Scots in need.”
Alasdair MacPherson
Medical supplies manufacturing and distribution
Alasdair is a founding shareholder of the UK’s only sterile glove manufacturing facility, based near Manchester. Currently living in London he used to volunteer regularly with the OMV and was introduced to ScotsCare by his family who recommended them as a potential recipient for some of his fundraising activities. He immediately felt a strong sense of affinity due to the down-to-earth common sense approach that the charity holds.
“Everybody falls on difficult times – and if it isn’t you it could be your children. So in the good times we need to commit to the charities that we or those we care about will use, because if not they may disappear.”
Alasdair MacPherson
Medical supplies manufacturing and distribution
Alasdair is a founding shareholder of the UK’s only sterile glove manufacturing facility, based near Manchester. Currently living in London he used to volunteer regularly with the OMV and was introduced to ScotsCare by his family who recommended them as a potential recipient for some of his fundraising activities. He immediately felt a strong sense of affinity due to the down-to-earth common sense approach that the charity holds.
“Everybody falls on difficult times – and if it isn’t you it could be your children. So in the good times we need to commit to the charities that we or those we care about will use, because if not they may disappear.”
Graeme Thomson
Head of fraud analytics, strategy and ethics, Public Sector Fraud Authority
Graeme has his roots in the sma touns and villages of North Ayrshire. He attended Kilwinning Academy, moving at age 17 to study Aeronautical Engineering at Glasgow University. On graduating, Graeme moved south as part of the wave of 80’s economic migrants from Scotland to work for British Aerospace. Gaining his Masters in Computer Science, he then moved to British Airways. His career path has since led him to the Cabinet Office where he has worked for the past 12 years on leading cross government activity on counter fraud data sharing.
Married with 3 children, Graeme is a keen mountain biker, hiker, magistrate and supporter of the mither tongue.
“I’m aware of some of the challenges of living away from Scotland, but having benefited from the move, I’m keen to help and support fellow Scots and their descendants on their own journeys by being an Ambassador for ScotsCare.”
Graeme Thomson
Head of fraud analytics, strategy and ethics, Public Sector Fraud Authority
Graeme has his roots in the sma touns and villages of North Ayrshire. He attended Kilwinning Academy, moving at age 17 to study Aeronautical Engineering at Glasgow University. On graduating, Graeme moved south as part of the wave of 80’s economic migrants from Scotland to work for British Aerospace. Gaining his Masters in Computer Science, he then moved to British Airways. His career path has since led him to the Cabinet Office where he has worked for the past 12 years on leading cross government activity on counter fraud data sharing.
Married with 3 children, Graeme is a keen mountain biker, hiker, magistrate and supporter of the mither tongue.
“I’m aware of some of the challenges of living away from Scotland, but having benefited from the move, I’m keen to help and support fellow Scots and their descendants on their own journeys by being an Ambassador for ScotsCare.”
Jane Oliver
Ambassador
Jane Oliver, a member of St Columba’s Church of Scotland, originates from Fife and was educated and lived in Edinburgh in her early years. She has had an international career in consultancy, having spent time working and living in Philadelphia, Amsterdam and more widely in Europe. She ultimately located to Chelsea and now lives in Essex. She has worked in London for the past 20 years in the Finance sector.
Jane is President of University of Edinburgh London Alumni Network having graduated from the university with a BA and MBA. She is President of Shenfield and Hutton Ladies Probus Club and Chair of Brentwood Wine Society. Jane is a member of the University Women’s Club in Mayfair and Women in Banking and Finance, having served for seven years on their Executive Board.
“I am so proud to be an Ambassador for ScotsCare having served on the Borderline board for a number of years prior to the merger of the two charities. It is a privilege to be part of a charity with such a long history of caring for Scots in London and continuing to do so in modern times.”
Jane Oliver
Ambassador
Jane Oliver, a member of St Columba’s Church of Scotland, originates from Fife and was educated and lived in Edinburgh in her early years. She has had an international career in consultancy, having spent time working and living in Philadelphia, Amsterdam and more widely in Europe. She ultimately located to Chelsea and now lives in Essex. She has worked in London for the past 20 years in the Finance sector.
Jane is President of University of Edinburgh London Alumni Network having graduated from the university with a BA and MBA. She is President of Shenfield and Hutton Ladies Probus Club and Chair of Brentwood Wine Society. Jane is a member of the University Women’s Club in Mayfair and Women in Banking and Finance, having served for seven years on their Executive Board.
“I am so proud to be an Ambassador for ScotsCare having served on the Borderline board for a number of years prior to the merger of the two charities. It is a privilege to be part of a charity with such a long history of caring for Scots in London and continuing to do so in modern times.”
Roddy Graham
Ex Master of The Worshipful Company of Mercers
MD of Amwins
Roddy Graham is a Senior Partner of one of the largest Lloyd’s broking firms in the City, where he has 35 years’ experience in the London insurance market. He has worked with many of the largest global financial institutions and multi-national industrial companies, specialising in directors & officers liability insurance and other related financial lines, including professional liability and crime coverages.
Roddy has been an active member of the Mercers’ Company for many years, joining the Court in 2012 and serving as Master in 2017-18. He is also a member of the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers.
“As the son of a Scottish Soldier and with my philanthropic experience serving The Mercers’ Company for over 30 years, I know how important the work of ScotsCare is. I am honoured to be an Ambassador for a charity that is tackling some of the most critical issues in our society today.”
Roddy Graham
Ex Master of The Worshipful Company of Mercers
MD of Amwins
Roddy Graham is a Senior Partner of one of the largest Lloyd’s broking firms in the City, where he has 35 years’ experience in the London insurance market. He has worked with many of the largest global financial institutions and multi-national industrial companies, specialising in directors & officers liability insurance and other related financial lines, including professional liability and crime coverages.
Roddy has been an active member of the Mercers’ Company for many years, joining the Court in 2012 and serving as Master in 2017-18. He is also a member of the Queen’s Body Guard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers.
“As the son of a Scottish Soldier and with my philanthropic experience serving The Mercers’ Company for over 30 years, I know how important the work of ScotsCare is. I am honoured to be an Ambassador for a charity that is tackling some of the most critical issues in our society today.”
Doug Carnegie
Ambassador
You can listen to Doug’s podcast episode here.
Doug’s a journalist and long-term supporter of ScotsCare, volunteering as a Blether Buddy Befriender, media consultant and member of the ScotsCare choir. His newspaper days took him from The Glasgow Herald to The Sunday Times, then to ITV as news reporter and current affairs producer. At the BBC he ran Watchdog and Crimewatch, was founding editor of The One Show and executive editor of Comic Relief. Before three decades in the media he was a community worker. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Doug’s lived in and around London for 20 years.
“ScotsCare’s work supporting Scots in hard times in London is vital. It offers resources to help families and individuals gain a better footing. I want to lend a hand and spread the word where I can.”
Doug Carnegie
Ambassador
You can listen to Doug’s podcast episode here.
Doug’s a journalist and long-term supporter of ScotsCare, volunteering as a Blether Buddy Befriender, media consultant and member of the ScotsCare choir. His newspaper days took him from The Glasgow Herald to The Sunday Times, then to ITV as news reporter and current affairs producer. At the BBC he ran Watchdog and Crimewatch, was founding editor of The One Show and executive editor of Comic Relief. Before three decades in the media he was a community worker. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Doug’s lived in and around London for 20 years.
“ScotsCare’s work supporting Scots in hard times in London is vital. It offers resources to help families and individuals gain a better footing. I want to lend a hand and spread the word where I can.”
Ken Young
Ambassador
Ken is a Chartered Accountant, born and educated in Scotland, but qualified and living in the South East. He is a Senior partner in a mid-tier firm of accountants having set up a new office and merged it into Wilkins Kennedy 10 years ago.
He was previously a Trustee and Chair of the Textiles Industries Children’s Charity, and for 11 years was Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Royal Russell school near Croydon.
Ken is currently Chairman of the Caledonian Club in London, which supports ScotsCare.
Ken has a wife, Nicky, two children and a house in the North west of Scotland and two spaniels.
Ken Young
Ambassador
Ken is a Chartered Accountant, born and educated in Scotland, but qualified and living in the South East. He is a Senior partner in a mid-tier firm of accountants having set up a new office and merged it into Wilkins Kennedy 10 years ago.
He was previously a Trustee and Chair of the Textiles Industries Children’s Charity, and for 11 years was Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Royal Russell school near Croydon.
Ken is currently Chairman of the Caledonian Club in London, which supports ScotsCare.
Ken has a wife, Nicky, two children and a house in the North west of Scotland and two spaniels.
Ian Fletcher
Ambassador
Ian Fletcher qualified as a solicitor in Scotland and England and practised in the City of London for many years. He is also a qualified musician and recently his oratorio Jonah received its World Premiere within The Cadogan Hall in London. He is also still involved in various business assignments.
“I’m very sympathetic to the importance of providing support to Scots in London who have fallen on hard times and am pleased to act as as an ambassador for ScotsCare.”
Ian Fletcher
Ambassador
Ian Fletcher qualified as a solicitor in Scotland and England and practised in the City of London for many years. He is also a qualified musician and recently his oratorio Jonah received its World Premiere within The Cadogan Hall in London. He is also still involved in various business assignments.
“I’m very sympathetic to the importance of providing support to Scots in London who have fallen on hard times and am pleased to act as as an ambassador for ScotsCare.”
Karen Cunningham
Ambassador
An elder in St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Karen Cunningham grew up in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland and her happiest childhood memories are visits to family in Scotland. She studied Modern Languages at Oxford and spent her early career in marketing with Nestlé. One of the first expatriates in Eastern Europe, she was responsible for the introduction and development of confectionery brands across the region based in Prague. From 2000 she was based in Switzerland in the Strategic Business Unit, covering Central & Eastern Europe and the UK. From 2005 she worked independently in the Balkans, managing businesses for UK Private Equity funds. Since returning to London in 2015 she has been working with UK companies in the hospitality sector on brand strategy and organisational excellence. She is a sports’ enthusiast, a keen traveller and a supporter of the arts.
She has been involved in charities in Eastern Europe and is currently assisting friends and former colleagues in Ukraine and Russia.
“Having spent more than half my life in countries impacted by conflicts and migration, I’m keen to help those who are separated from home and have suffered trauma. ScotsCare gives Scots away from home the support they can rely on to maintain a stable and improved life.”
Karen Cunningham
Ambassador
An elder in St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Karen Cunningham grew up in Northern Ireland Northern Ireland and her happiest childhood memories are visits to family in Scotland. She studied Modern Languages at Oxford and spent her early career in marketing with Nestlé. One of the first expatriates in Eastern Europe, she was responsible for the introduction and development of confectionery brands across the region based in Prague. From 2000 she was based in Switzerland in the Strategic Business Unit, covering Central & Eastern Europe and the UK. From 2005 she worked independently in the Balkans, managing businesses for UK Private Equity funds. Since returning to London in 2015 she has been working with UK companies in the hospitality sector on brand strategy and organisational excellence. She is a sports’ enthusiast, a keen traveller and a supporter of the arts.
She has been involved in charities in Eastern Europe and is currently assisting friends and former colleagues in Ukraine and Russia.
“Having spent more than half my life in countries impacted by conflicts and migration, I’m keen to help those who are separated from home and have suffered trauma. ScotsCare gives Scots away from home the support they can rely on to maintain a stable and improved life.”
Lord James Graham
James is a climate change entrepreneur and early-stage technology investor now also managing a rural estate in Scotland. As a Scot who has worked in London throughout his professional career, James has been aware of the strong pull that London has on Scots and the vulnerability that being far from a network of friends and family can bring. He became a Borderline Trustee in October 2020 and then a ScotsCare Ambassador in April 2023 after the two charities merged.
“I believe that ScotsCare makes a critical difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerable Scots in London that it reaches, so I’m keen to help in my own way by raising its profile within my network.”
Lord James Graham
Climate change entrepreneur, angel investor and land manager
James is a climate change entrepreneur and early-stage technology investor now also managing a rural estate in Scotland. As a Scot who has worked in London throughout his professional career, James has been aware of the strong pull that London has on Scots and the vulnerability that being far from a network of friends and family can bring. He became a Borderline Trustee in October 2020 and then a ScotsCare Ambassador in April 2023 after the two charities merged.
“I believe that ScotsCare makes a critical difference to the lives of homeless and vulnerable Scots in London that it reaches, so I’m keen to help in my own way by raising its profile within my network.”