Trustees
Find out more about the team behind ScotsCareKevin Lynch
Chairman
Kevin grew up in Lanarkshire, studied in London and trained as an accountant in the Civil Service. Since 2011, he has worked for several large London-based housing associations, specialising in strategic financial planning.
He was motivated to join ScotsCare by a wish to support the organisation’s valuable work in providing London Scots with both immediate and longer-term financial, practical and emotional support. He brings financial expertise, public service experience and strategic insight to his trustee role.
Alongside his work and his role at ScotsCare, Kevin is involved with a number of other organisations within the London Scottish community. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as walking, cycling and reading. He became Chair in January 2024 after six years as a trustee.
Kevin Lynch
Chairman
Kevin grew up in Lanarkshire, studied in London and trained as an accountant in the Civil Service. Since 2011, he has worked for several large London-based housing associations, specialising in strategic financial planning.
He was motivated to join ScotsCare by a wish to support the organisation’s valuable work in providing London Scots with both immediate and longer-term financial, practical and emotional support. He brings financial expertise, public service experience and strategic insight to his trustee role.
Alongside his work and his role at ScotsCare, Kevin is involved with a number of other organisations within the London Scottish community. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as walking, cycling and reading. He became Chair in January 2024 after six years as a trustee.
Elaine Close
Trustee and Chair of Nominations Sub-Committee
Originally from St Andrews, Elaine moved to London after graduating from the University of Aberdeen. She began her career in the arts, working at the BBC and Royal Festival Hall, before moving into Human Resources, and has over 20 years’ experience in HR at leading European and global financial services firms. Since 2023, she has been Head of HR at The Mission to Seafarers, a global charity supporting seafarers worldwide.
Elaine brings extensive HR experience to her role as a trustee and is passionate about ScotsCare’s mission to provide holistic and practical support that helps people move beyond poverty and dependency.
Outside work, Elaine sings with three choirs, is an Elder at Crown Court Church of Scotland, and enjoys London’s cultural life. She and her husband, a fellow Scot, head north whenever they can to spend time with family and friends.
Elaine Close
Trustee and Chair of Nominations Sub-Committee
Originally from St Andrews, Elaine moved to London after graduating from the University of Aberdeen. She began her career in the arts, working at the BBC and Royal Festival Hall, before moving into Human Resources, and has over 20 years’ experience in HR at leading European and global financial services firms. Since 2023, she has been Head of HR at The Mission to Seafarers, a global charity supporting seafarers worldwide.
Elaine brings extensive HR experience to her role as a trustee and is passionate about ScotsCare’s mission to provide holistic and practical support that helps people move beyond poverty and dependency.
Outside work, Elaine sings with three choirs, is an Elder at Crown Court Church of Scotland, and enjoys London’s cultural life. She and her husband, a fellow Scot, head north whenever they can to spend time with family and friends.
Billy Gilmore
Trustee and Chair of Investment Sub-Committee
Billy grew up in north Ayrshire and graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Accountancy and Economics. Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in 1987 he has worked for a number of leading asset management companies, specifically in the field of private equity.
Living in Falkirk, Billy has been a frequent visitor to London for over four decades. At ScotsCare he brings his many years of experience in financial services to the Investment and Audit Committees.
Billy is a passionate supporter of Falkirk FC and a cricket enthusiast. He enjoys spending time with his family, walking his Australian Labradoodle, cycling and travelling.
Billy Gilmore
Trustee and Chair of Investment Sub-Committee
Billy grew up in north Ayrshire and graduated from the University of Strathclyde in Accountancy and Economics. Since qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in 1987 he has worked for a number of leading asset management companies, specifically in the field of private equity.
Living in Falkirk, Billy has been a frequent visitor to London for over four decades. At ScotsCare he brings his many years of experience in financial services to the Investment and Audit Committees.
Billy is a passionate supporter of Falkirk FC and a cricket enthusiast. He enjoys spending time with his family, walking his Australian Labradoodle, cycling and travelling.
Callum Ross
Trustee and Chair of Welfare Sub-Committee
Born and raised in Angus, Callum is a partner at Habitus Collective, a social research and consultancy firm working across the UK and internationally.
Callum began his career in London as a police constable before taking advantage of dual citizenship and moving to Canada, where he worked in policy for the Canadian Mental Health Association and progressed to Director of Innovation.
Now in London, through Habitus, Callum has worked with many organisations, including the Scottish Government, Barnet and Waltham Forest Councils, the Electoral Commission, NHS Trusts, Samaritans and The Children’s Society. In his role he delivers new ways of working, research and insights, governance and innovative policy. He brings this combination of knowledge, skills and experience to his role as Trustee and Welfare Chair.
In his free time, Callum enjoys holidays by train, Parkrun with his dog and ceilidh dancing.
Callum Ross
Trustee and Chair of Welfare Sub-Committee
Born and raised in Angus, Callum is a partner at Habitus Collective, a social research and consultancy firm working across the UK and internationally.
Callum began his career in London as a police constable before taking advantage of dual citizenship and moving to Canada, where he worked in policy for the Canadian Mental Health Association and progressed to Director of Innovation.
Now in London, through Habitus, Callum has worked with many organisations, including the Scottish Government, Barnet and Waltham Forest Councils, the Electoral Commission, NHS Trusts, Samaritans and The Children’s Society. In his role he delivers new ways of working, research and insights, governance and innovative policy. He brings this combination of knowledge, skills and experience to his role as Trustee and Welfare Chair.
In his free time, Callum enjoys holidays by train, Parkrun with his dog and ceilidh dancing.
Bartholomew Preston
Trustee, Safeguarding Lead
Bart is proud of his Edinburgh roots and now lives and works in London. He attended university at Oxford and St Andrews and spent his twenties as a Benedictine monk in Somerset and Rome. He later qualified as a child protection social worker, working with some of the most vulnerable families in London, before further study led to his qualification as a lawyer. He now practises as a solicitor in family and divorce law at a leading City firm.
Bart is passionate about ScotsCare’s work with Scots in need in London. He brings to the role his legal expertise in family justice and his frontline experience of supporting vulnerable people.
In his personal life, he is a devoted father to his dog Agnes and cats, enjoys the gym and is a keen supporter of the arts.
Bartholomew Preston
Trustee, Safeguarding Lead
Bart is proud of his Edinburgh roots and now lives and works in London. He attended university at Oxford and St Andrews and spent his twenties as a Benedictine monk in Somerset and Rome. He later qualified as a child protection social worker, working with some of the most vulnerable families in London, before further study led to his qualification as a lawyer. He now practises as a solicitor in family and divorce law at a leading City firm.
Bart is passionate about ScotsCare’s work with Scots in need in London. He brings to the role his legal expertise in family justice and his frontline experience of supporting vulnerable people.
In his personal life, he is a devoted father to his dog Agnes and cats, enjoys the gym and is a keen supporter of the arts.
David McMurtrie
Trustee and Chair of Communications Sub-Committee
David grew up in Ayr and studied at the University of Edinburgh. On graduation he moved to London to work for Scottish Television and went on to build a successful career in the Advertising, Media and Technology sectors. Prior to his retirement he spent seventeen years working for Google UK.
David brings his extensive media experience to his role as Chair of the Communications Sub-Committee. He is motivated by ScotsCare’s mission and the impact that the charity has on the lives of Scots, and their families, in London.
In addition to his work with ScotsCare, David remains active in various committee and advisory capacities. Outside of his professional and charitable commitments, he is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations.
David McMurtrie
Trustee and Chair of Communications Sub-Committee
David grew up in Ayr and studied at the University of Edinburgh. On graduation he moved to London to work for Scottish Television and went on to build a successful career in the Advertising, Media and Technology sectors. Prior to his retirement he spent seventeen years working for Google UK.
David brings his extensive media experience to his role as Chair of the Communications Sub-Committee. He is motivated by ScotsCare’s mission and the impact that the charity has on the lives of Scots, and their families, in London.
In addition to his work with ScotsCare, David remains active in various committee and advisory capacities. Outside of his professional and charitable commitments, he is an avid traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations.
Jonny Stevenson
Trustee and Chair of the Property Sub-Committee
Jonny was born in Glasgow and after graduating from the University of Glasgow, he moved to London to work, qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2013. He works for a multi-disciplinary property advisor.
He has extensive property experience, including in affordable housing and is motivated by ScotsCare’s objective to help Scots in need in London, including the provision of sheltered housing.
Jonny is a member of Glasgow Art Club and is passionate about Scottish Art. He is happiest out walking his spaniel, Mungo.
Jonny Stevenson
Trustee and Chair of the Property Sub-Committee
Jonny was born in Glasgow and after graduating from the University of Glasgow, he moved to London to work, qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor in 2013. He works for a multi-disciplinary property advisor.
He has extensive property experience, including in affordable housing and is motivated by ScotsCare’s objective to help Scots in need in London, including the provision of sheltered housing.
Jonny is a member of Glasgow Art Club and is passionate about Scottish Art. He is happiest out walking his spaniel, Mungo.
Mike Watson
Trustee, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee
Mike is a native of Glasgow, where he attended university and qualified as a chartered accountant. He has lived and worked in the US and France, but has called London home for many years.
Mike’s financial management experience has been gained in US and UK publicly owned and private equity backed businesses, with particular emphasis on the technology and services sectors. He brings this experience to the Finance Sub-Committee.
Away from work, Mike enjoys keeping fit by playing tennis and cycling, in addition to travelling and spending time with his family.
Mike Watson
Trustee, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee
Mike is a native of Glasgow, where he attended university and qualified as a chartered accountant. He has lived and worked in the US and France, but has called London home for many years.
Mike’s financial management experience has been gained in US and UK publicly owned and private equity backed businesses, with particular emphasis on the technology and services sectors. He brings this experience to the Finance Sub-Committee.
Away from work, Mike enjoys keeping fit by playing tennis and cycling, in addition to travelling and spending time with his family.
David Guild
Trustee and former Chairman
David Guild was educated in Glasgow and was drawn to the City of London in the early 1980s, becoming a Member of the London Stock Exchange. He continues to manage investment portfolios for individuals and trustees. He has been involved with ScotsCare since 1992 and became a Trustee in 2012. He sits on the Investment and Nominations Committees and recently chaired the Property Committee which oversaw the acquisition of our Bermondsey headquarters.
David enjoyed a lengthy spell playing rugby for London Scottish and remains active at the Club. He is a Vice President of the Caledonian Club and a Freeman of the City of London. His interests include rugby and cricket, road cycling, history and current affairs.
David Guild
Trustee and former Chairman
David Guild was educated in Glasgow and was drawn to the City of London in the early 1980s, becoming a Member of the London Stock Exchange. He continues to manage investment portfolios for individuals and trustees. He has been involved with ScotsCare since 1992 and became a Trustee in 2012. He sits on the Investment and Nominations Committees and recently chaired the Property Committee which oversaw the acquisition of our Bermondsey headquarters.
David enjoyed a lengthy spell playing rugby for London Scottish and remains active at the Club. He is a Vice President of the Caledonian Club and a Freeman of the City of London. His interests include rugby and cricket, road cycling, history and current affairs.
Sheryl Jermyn
Trustee and Honorary Solicitor
Sheryl Jermyn originally hails from the Scottish Borders. She read Law with German Legal Studies at the University of Glasgow and after qualifying as a solicitor with Scottish law firm Burness Paull, moved to London where she spent over five years as a Corporate / M&A lawyer with Magic Circle law firm, Slaughter and May before moving in-house to Barclays. She recently gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. Sheryl is a senior corporate lawyer with over 15 years’ experience and is now General Counsel of Telecom Plus plc.
She is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, ESG and social mobility and is proud to support ScotsCare in its vision that every Scot in London should have a home and the support they need to lead a happy and independent life. Sheryl joined as a Borderline Trustee in 2020, prior to the merger with ScotsCare in 2023. She is based in Barcelona and is married with two young children.
Sheryl Jermyn
Trustee and Honorary Solicitor
Sheryl Jermyn originally hails from the Scottish Borders. She read Law with German Legal Studies at the University of Glasgow and after qualifying as a solicitor with Scottish law firm Burness Paull, moved to London where she spent over five years as a Corporate / M&A lawyer with Magic Circle law firm, Slaughter and May before moving in-house to Barclays. She recently gained an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. Sheryl is a senior corporate lawyer with over 15 years’ experience and is now General Counsel of Telecom Plus plc.
Sheryl is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion, ESG and social mobility and is proud to support ScotsCare in its vision that every Scot in London should have a home and the support they need to lead a happy and independent life. Sheryl joined as a Borderline Trustee in 2020, prior to the merge with ScotsCare in 2023. She is based in Barcelona and is married with two young children.
Reverend Angus MacLeod
Honorary Chaplain
Angus’ family roots are on the Isle of Skye and in Durham. He studied at St Andrews University before travelling and working in the US, London, Milan and Romania. Ordained as a minister of the Church of Scotland he served as a chaplain in the British Army.
He is the current minister of St Columba’s, Pont Street, Knightsbridge, and Honorary Chaplain to ScotsCare. The links between charity and congregation are long-standing, with the care and well-being of individuals a precious and shared aim.
Angus is a father, a sports enthusiast and lover of the sea and the hills. His great grandfather was the first minister of St Columba’s.
Reverend Angus MacLeod
Honorary Chaplain
Angus’ family roots are on the Isle of Skye and in Durham. He studied at St Andrews University before travelling and working in the US, London, Milan and Romania. Ordained as a minister of the Church of Scotland he served as a chaplain in the British Army.
He is the current minister of St Columba’s, Pont Street, Knightsbridge, and Honorary Chaplain to ScotsCare. The links between charity and congregation are long-standing, with the care and well-being of individuals a precious and shared aim.
Angus is a father, a sports enthusiast and lover of the sea and the hills. His great grandfather was the first minister of St Columba’s.