About Speyside Trust
Speyside Trust is the charity which runs the whole Badaguish site. Our sister company, Badaguish Forest Lodges, operates the self-catering accommodation business, which funds the charitable activities of Speyside Trust. We depend on the commercial success of this business to support our charitable aims.
Being outdoors changes people; everybody behaves slightly differently out of doors. Take away four walls and people act more naturally and have different values. Badaguish is a unique spot in the Cairngorm National Park area, and it is our responsibility to make the best use of it to ensure it brings out the best in people.
Originally Badaguish was founded to facilitate welcoming people with all sorts of additional needs or disabilities and give them a holiday here, initially under canvas and then in the respite Lodge.
For over 30 years, we gave many young people opportunities for outdoor activities and in some cases, life-changing experiences.
In the last few years, we’ve had to change the model of what we offer and are developing relationships with other local organisations, such as Able to Adventure, Reach to Reality, Active Spirt, In Your Element, Active Outdoor Pursuits, and Alzheimer Scotland (onsite at Badaguish) to offer the best use of the site with a wide variety of guests.
Speyside Trust is committed to making the best use of this space to enable people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to pursue activities or experience this precious environment.
Non-Executive Trustees
Chair (vacant)
Martyn Crawshaw
As a local teacher with a passion for outdoor education, I have been involved in the work of Speyside Trust for over 20 years. I am keen to ensure young people from all backgrounds and abilities can enjoy the Glenmore Forest area around Badaguish. My own outdoor interests include skiing, running, cycling and sailing.
Dave Ward
Starting as an event volunteer over 15 years ago and after seeing what a positive impact Speyside Trust could have on the lives of people it aims to help, I became a trustee in 2014 to be involved in providing ‘access for all’ abilities to enjoy the outdoor environment around us. My own outdoor interests include paddleboarding, x-country skiing, walking and biking.
Brian O’Donnell
I have lived in the Speyside area for over 15 years but have appreciated it for many more. Working with the Speyside Trust to deliver ‘access to all’ to such a wonderful area is very important to me, ensuring everyone can enjoy its beauty, explore Glenmore Forest & the activities Badaguish can offer. All abilities and backgrounds should be able to experience the area in its full charm. In my free time, I love to explore on my bike and motorbike to take in the stunning landscapes and its peacefulness.
Stephen Shaw
I have been walking, cycling and skiing in the Cairngorms for over 40 years. As Principal Teacher of Biology in Inverness High School, Rector of Gairloch High School in Wester Ross and then as Rector of Morgan Academy in Dundee, I have been involved in promoting outdoor sports, and outdoor education in particular, for nearly 40 years. I look forward to continuing to promote these activities for young people and adults through the Speyside Trust and the excellent Badaguish facilities.