IT'S THE PEOPLE
that bring Dùn Coillich to life
Backed by a board of dedicated Trustees and an enthusiastic band of regular volunteers, it’s our core team that drives forward our ambitions. Supported by individuals with specialist skills, they are at the heart of Dùn Coillich’s transformation.
Let’s meet them!
Heather Hamilton
Project Officer
Little did I know when I took on a part-time job with HPCLT back in 2016 that I would very soon become ‘hefted’ to this special hill…since then, everything about Dùn Coillich has got well and truly under my skin! I have always felt most at home outdoors and am at my happiest when sharing our outdoor landscapes with others – something that is at the heart of everything we do at Dùn Coillich.
After studying zoology at Glasgow University I spent several years gaining valuable field experience in the UK and overseas, and started leading groups of volunteers over 20 years ago for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. This led to me working in Youth Development in New Zealand where I discovered my passion for working with young people and helping them to realise their potential, something I am very privileged to be able to continue at Dùn Coillich through our Rural Skills Traineeships.
Perhaps the best thing I bring to Dùn Coillich is my dog Poppy, who is always there to welcome people and make them feel just at home here as I do!
Fred Cochrane
Assistant Project Officer
I’ve always had a fascination for wildlife in the landscape around me and consider myself very lucky to be part of this ground-breaking community project. I love sharing time and tasks with amazing volunteers, and am always learning something new every day we are on the hill – it makes me smile!
I particularly enjoy working with our rural skills trainees, seeing them grow in confidence and supporting them to start new chapters in their lives.
Against the backdrop of my earlier life working as a firefighter in London and Scotland and now living in Highland Perthshire I am lucky enough to be able to combine my love of the outdoors with a passion for wildlife photography; and often find myself out early, camera in hand.
Beside my role at Dùn Coillich I teach outdoor first aid for the British Association of Ski Patrollers and am a freelance outdoor guide, sharing our stunning river and mountain landscapes with like-minded souls.
Willie McGhee
Forest Manager
I am a practicing forester who has worked in commercial and community forestry since 1990. I pitched up at Dùn Coillich in 2012 in response to a request from HPCLT Trustees to help get the DC Forestry Commission funded Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) over the line. This took a bit of time, but over the last dozen or so years we have watched as DC has become an inspiring example of ecological restoration, with trees sprouting everywhere and the place buzzing with biodiversity. It is a real pleasure watching the land change over the years – with mosaics of woodlands and other habitats, wildlife abounding, and the added satisfaction of working with a great team.
I am a keen advocate for community forestry and during my career I have been Director of the Borders Forest Trust, a Trustee and latterly Chair of Scottish Power’s Green Energy Trust, founder and Director of the Southern Upland Partnership, a Trustee on the Scottish Forestry Trust, a Director of the Millennium Forest for Scotland Trust and served on two Forestry Commission Advisory Panels (Native Woodland, Forests for People). I am a founding member and Director of the Forest Policy Group and Chair of the Community Woodland Association.
Michael Morhulec & Ian Muir
Deer Stalkers
We took over the stalking on Dun Coillich in March 2023 from Rob Coope who had been responsible for deer management for several years.
Our job is to keep the roe deer population as low as we can to allow the young trees to ‘get away’. We’re pleased to be part of an enthusiastic team at Dun Coillich and it’s great to see wee trees popping up everywhere now that the browsing pressure is kept low enough to let this happen. The stalking is very challenging with the deer few and far between, hidden scoop holes and high heather underfoot and lots of cover for roe deer to hide in.
You probably won’t see much of us as we like to stalk very early in the morning and on days when no one is around. However you can help us keep the numbers down by ensuring gates are never left open and fences are kept in good condition.
If you spot holes in fences you can report them here by dropping an email to Heather.
