Meet the Ambassadors
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.”
Jessica Cadzow-Collins
Ambassador
Jessica Cadzow-Collins was born and raised in Scotland and educated at St George’s, Edinburgh. She is a member of the printing and publishing family, Collins, and upholds her family’s values of education, welfare and enterprise. She moved to London to study gemmology, qualifying as Fellow of the Gemmological Association (Gem-A), later serving as trustee and Chair of the Gem-A. She is an External Examiner at Birmingham City University and has over 30 years of experience in global luxury retail. Jessica is the founder and creative director of new fine jewellery brand, Juraster.
Jessica enjoys outdoor adventures including sailing, climbing, skiing, off road cycling and SCUBA, and is a keen field geologist. She is a Fellow of the Geological Society, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Liveryman of the Clockmakers’ Company, and a member of St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont Street.
Jessica Cadzow-Collins
Ambassador
Jessica Cadzow-Collins was born and raised in Scotland and educated at St George’s, Edinburgh. She is a member of the printing and publishing family, Collins, and upholds her family’s values of education, welfare and enterprise. She moved to London to study gemmology, qualifying as Fellow of the Gemmological Association (Gem-A), later serving as trustee and Chair of the Gem-A. She is an External Examiner at Birmingham City University and has over 30 years of experience in global luxury retail. Jessica is the founder and creative director of new fine jewellery brand, Juraster.
Jessica enjoys outdoor adventures including sailing, climbing, skiing, off road cycling and SCUBA, and is a keen field geologist. She is a Fellow of the Geological Society, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, a Liveryman of the Clockmakers’ Company, and a member of St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Pont Street.
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.”
Graeme Thomson
Ambassador
Defra Grants Hub: Head of Fraud, Risk, Irregularities, Assurance and MI
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, having led him to the Cabinet Office where he worked for the past 12 years on leading cross government activity on counter fraud data sharing, has now seen him promoted to head up the Defra Grants Hub; counter fraud, risk, irregularities, assurance and management information team.
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
Ambassador
Defra Grants Hub: Head of Fraud, Risk, Irregularities, Assurance and MI
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, having led him to the Cabinet Office where he worked for the past 12 years on leading cross government activity on counter fraud data sharing, has now seen him promoted to head up the Defra Grants Hub; counter fraud, risk, irregularities, assurance and management information team.
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.”
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.”
John McCheyne
Ambassador
Originally from Glasgow, John is now resident in England following a career move some years ago. His career was in Financial Services, with a major Swiss organisation and a Lloyds of London Broker.
He is also an Ambassador for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Following retirement from ‘normal’ work, his role in SMWS developed, and he travelled internationally on their behalf promoting Scotch and Scotland.
John is also a Council member of the Burns Club of London, as a past-President, and an Ambassador for the Greenock Burns Club (The ‘Mother’ Club).
Through Scotch Whisky, John is a Keeper of the Quaich and in the Incorporation of Maltmen in Glasgow. His introduction to ScotsCare came via a fellow ScotsCare Ambassador.
“I believe anyone can struggle in life due to unfortunate circumstances. I am honoured to be able to contribute to ScotsCare’s work to alleviate it.”
John McCheyne
Ambassador
Originally from Glasgow, John is now resident in England following a career move some years ago. His career was in Financial Services, with a major Swiss organisation and a Lloyds of London Broker.
He is also an Ambassador for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. Following retirement from ‘normal’ work, his role in SMWS developed, and he travelled internationally on their behalf promoting Scotch and Scotland.
John is also a Council member of the Burns Club of London, as a past-President, and an Ambassador for the Greenock Burns Club (The ‘Mother’ Club).
Through Scotch Whisky, John is a Keeper of the Quaich and in the Incorporation of Maltmen in Glasgow. His introduction to ScotsCare came via a fellow ScotsCare Ambassador.
“I believe anyone can struggle in life due to unfortunate circumstances. I am honoured to be able to contribute to ScotsCare’s work to alleviate it.”
Justine Taylor
Ambassador
After receiving degrees from the University of St Andrews and University College London, Justine worked for a large international business for 12 years. Returning to the world of archives and research, she has published several history books and is the archivist for two London institutions. She has been interested in the work of ScotsCare, then known as the Royal Scottish Corporation, since she wrote its first history in 2003.
“Formed in London by benevolent Scottish merchants in 1603, the charity’s history is also the story of Scottish networks in London and the changing ways help has been given to those who have needed it. It is amazing that over 420 years later, it still is that story and still is providing that targeted support.”