Our Charitble Objectives
The Trust exists to care for and make accessible the finds of Scottish Crannog dwellers for the benefit, enjoyment, education and inspiration of all who are interested in archaeology, Scottish Crannogs and prehistoric life, demonstrating how the crannog dwellers’ stories are a defining, significant thread in the fabric of Scotland’s rich heritage
Our work is guided by three core charitable objectives:
The advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science – We do this by collecting, researching, cataloguing, caring for and making accessible the archaeological finds, knowledge, crafts and skills relating to Scottish Crannogs and prehistoric life in Scotland for the benefit, enjoyment, education and inspiration of all.Â
The advancement of education – We do this by increasing and disseminating knowledge and understanding of the Iron Age and its people by providing, managing, and developing a sustainable museum, undertaking experimental archaeology projects and by providing interactive visitor experiences that are inclusive, diverse, environmentally responsible and which deepen visitors’ understanding of crannog-dwellers’ lives.Â
The advancement of citizenship or community development – We do this by working in partnership with diverse groups, including voluntary, educational and not-for-profit groups, whose members do not always feel fully integrated into society. Together we use the Scottish Crannog Centre’s resources to create safe spaces in which people can move towards making a more positive contribution to their communities and to flourish as individuals.
Our Trustees
David Littlejohn - Chair
David joined the Board in October 2024, bringing his significant professional experience in economic development, land use planning, and development. Until his retirement in February 2025, David was a Chief Officer at Perth & Kinross Council. He was previously a Director at Scottish Enterprise and an Associate Director at an international development planning and design consultancy.Â
David lives in Edinburgh, where he is also a Trustee of the Heart of Newhaven Community, which owns and manages the former Victoria Primary School as an intergenerational hub. David is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (the RSA). Â
He was appointed Chair of the Crannog Centre Trust in March 2025.Â
Cllr John Duff
I was born and raised in Aberfeldy, attending Breadalbane Academy before studying and graduating from Glasgow University. I joined Strathclyde Police in 1981 and rose to the rank of Superintendent prior to my retirement in 2011. In 2011, I moved back to Aberfeldy with my wife, Anne. We have two sons. In 2018, I was successful in the by-election for a local Councillor for the Perth and Kinross Highland Ward and was re-elected in the 2022 Council elections. I am a member of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party. I was appointed as a Trustee for the Scottish Crannog Centre in 2019.Â
Peter Ely
Rebecca McClune
Peter has an extensive background as an Audit Manager, working with the District Audit Service and Audit Commission in England. His expertise includes auditing accounts of Local Councils and Health Authorities, conducting Value for Money projects, and leading fraud investigations.Â
Now retired and residing in Kenmore, Peter is a staunch advocate for community empowerment. He believes that fostering community strength is essential for creating a fairer society and transforming lives. As a dedicated volunteer, he actively supports local groups, with a primary focus on sustaining their operations. His philosophy, “Small is Beautiful,” often guides his approach.Â
Peter currently serves as the Chair of the Kenmore & District Community Council and the Breadalbane Development Trust. He holds a trustee role at Tay Valley Connect and The Scottish Crannog Centre, is the Treasurer of the Breadalbane Reading Rooms, a member of the Loch Tay Association, and supports several other local groups.Â
Rebecca has been involved with the Scottish Crannog Centre since 2014, first as the Centre’s museum mentor and later as a board member. Her early career was spent developing and delivering the museum education and events programme at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, after which she ran the school programme at Perth Museum and Art Gallery. She is now working towards a PGDE in primary education, and also chairs the board of local charity Gender Equality Perth.Â
Nadia Ness
 I’m thrilled to be a Trustee of The Scottish Crannog Centre. I’m inspired by the unique way the Crannog blends protecting Scottish heritage, with applying these principles of social justice and community to modern-day communities. I currently work at the University of Glasgow as the Executive Director of Transformation. The role of my team is to ensure the University is prepared for, and thrives through, an ever-changing world. We do this by delivering a number of projects with people from right across the University’s diverse community. The University’s civic purpose, as well as having the opportunity to contribute positively towards student experience, was what brought me here. Prior to this I’ve worked in a number of private organisations in different sectors – most recently in the global team at IKEA. I hope I can use this experience to support the ongoing success of The CrannogÂ
John Poulisse
I am originally from The Netherlands and have a military (Royal Netherlands Navy) background. Integrity is an important core value for me and I am very motivated in what I do. I have experience in logistics but mainly in finance. I see the financial role as one that not only provides the numbers but also tells the story behind those numbers from their own perspective. I love working in teams to achieve certain goals. My most inspiring job was CFO for the Invictus Games in The Netherlands from 2018 – 2021. Now living in Scotland is a dream come true.Â
Neil Redfern
Neil Redfern has been the Executive Director of The Council for British Archaeology since 2020. The CBA is the leading independent charity promoting archaeology and the public participation in archaeology in the UK. Â
He has over 25 years’ experience of cultural heritage management, archaeological fieldwork, survey and assessment and museum practice. He is particularly interested in the practical and philosophical approaches to how we value heritage and the challenges faced in enhancing participation, securing the conservation and enhancement of heritage places.Â
Previous to the CBA he worked for Historic England/English Heritage in York for eighteen years, as Principal Inspector of Ancient Monuments for Yorkshire. He was responsible for delivery statutory advice on planning, listed building and scheduled monument consent applications in the region. He has an M.Phil in Archaeological Heritage Management and Museums (University of Cambridge), and a BA (Hons) in Geography and Archaeology (University of Manchester).Â
Lorna Watson
Lorna joined the board of the Scottish Crannog Centre in March 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep-seated passion for the centre’s mission. Having settled in the picturesque village of Acharn, near Kenmore, for the past 12 years, she has become a prominent advocate for sustaining and promoting Scotland’s rich cultural heritage. In her professional capacity as a Business Engagement Executive with Interface, Lorna has played a vital role in bridging the gap between businesses and academic institutions, fostering collaborations that inspire innovation and growth at the Crannog.
