RYA Scotland has welcomed Kim Guthrie to its Board as Director for Sport Development, bringing far reaching experience spanning grassroots sailing, racing, coaching, education and club leadership.

Kim’s connection with sailing began at Loch Morlich. She went on to progress through the performance squad system, race Toppers and Lasers, coach Oppies and Toppers, and deliver sailing sessions at venues across Scotland for RYA Scotland. Her experience on the water also includes keelboat racing and cruising in Scotland and across the Atlantic.

Originally from Kingussie in the Highlands, Kim has recently returned to the area and is now Vice-Commodore of Loch Morlich Sailing Club, where she volunteers while spending time with her young family.

“I wanted to become part of the Board as I felt that it was a good opportunity to utilise my professional background and become involved in sailing again at a national level. I’m really enjoying getting stuck into conversations with like-minded people and helping to facilitate participation in our sport.”

Currently, Kim is a Secondary School Geography teacher, holding an MEd in Professional Practice as well as a PhD in Geography.

Kim’s combination of professional expertise and first-hand experience across club, coaching and competitive sailing brings a valuable perspective to the Board’s work to widen participation and support the development of the sport across Scotland.

The appointment aligns with a refresh of RYA Scotland’s committee structure, and the bringing together of the RYA Scotland Coaching Collective and the Participation & Development Committee into one Sport Development Community Forum Chaired by longstanding committee volunteer Neil Beveridge.

Want to get involved? Drop a line to development@ryascotland.org.uk