Visit Moray Speyside is run by a small but dedicated team who do everything we can to make sure Moray Speyside’s tourism businesses are supported and the region is promoted far and wide to potential visitors from across the world.
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Gemma Cruickshank - Chief Executive Officer
As a Keith local, Gemma knows the Moray Speyside region well and has an established network across the business community. Gemma's experience includes running the Embrace Elgin town centre BID, 5 years with Visit Aberdeenshire and time with Jury’s Hotels, Maverston Golf Course and Glenfiddich Distillery. Gemma has a degree in International Tourism Management.
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David Wilson - Marketing & Development Manager
David moved home to Forres after completing his Film & Media course at Queen Margaret University. In his spare time, he enjoys gaming, cooking and is currently trying to improve his golf game.
David is your first point of contact for all things VMS, from marketing support to website listings.
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Brooke Finnie - Tourism Project Coordinator
Brooke is a Forres local and spends her free time paddle boarding in Findhorn and finding new food spots across Moray. Brooke has a BA in Event Management from Robert Gordon University. She's passionate about promoting Moray Speyside as a tourism destination.
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Euan Armstrong - Tourism Project Coordinator
Euan is from a small village just outside Inverness and enjoys his free time outdoors hillwalking, running and mountain biking. He received his bachelor’s degree in International Tourism and Marketing Management from Edinburgh Napier University and has been a frequent visitor to Moray from a young age.
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Ian Chapman - Director
Ian is the Marketing Director for Gordon & MacPhail. Ian has served as Director with the Malt Whisky Trail and the Speyside Golf Experience. Ian is motivated to be part of a team that inspire visitors to experience this wonderful part of the world; and in doing so contribute to the economic and social prosperity of the region.
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Lisa Farley - Director
Lisa spent ten years plus in sales and marketing in the music and film industries, travelling all over Europe. She moved to Moray Speyside in 2014 and since 2015 has been working at the Scottish Dolphin Centre in Spey Bay. In 2021 Lisa moved into the role of Trading Manager with responsibility for the commercial arm of the charity; the cafe, gift shop and WDC online shop. Lisa firmly believes Moray is a very special place and feels strongly about it being a wonderful destination for visitors from all across the globe!
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Caroline Ronald - Director
A livestock farmer for the past thirty years, Caroline opened a farm shop and butchers in 1995 and ran a successful outside catering business alongside. Caroline returned to her hospitality roots when she bought The Royal Oak Hotel in Cullen. Caroline has a BSC in Rural Development Studies and has a particular interest in ensuring Visit Moray Speyside's link to the rural economy and Moray's many rural businesses is actively developed.
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Ed Tennant - Director
Ed is owner of Innes House and estate where his family have lived since 1910. Ed took over the reins of the house and estate in 2018 from his parents who had created a thriving wedding and corporate entertaining venue, along with a farming and sporting enterprise. Outside of work, Ed has is involved in the equestrian world. He is passionate about Moray Speyside and firmly believes that the region is a huge untapped resource for the tourism industry in Scotland due to its diverse range of countryside and attractions.
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Esther Green - Director
Esther has extensive experience in the communications industry as a news reporter, public relations officer and marketing co-ordinator. She currently works as marketing executive at The Macallan Estate. Having lived and worked in Moray Speyside for much of her professional life, she has an excellent knowledge of the region and its people, as well as its challenges and strengths. She has a strong desire to see Moray Speyside gain an increased profile as a visitor destination and placing this beautiful region firmly on the tourist map of Scotland.
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Stewart Fotheringham - Director
Stewart is currently Account Director at Creegan Talent, a consultancy that supports growth within startups, scaleups and SMEs. Prior to this, Stewart has a wealth of experience within the Food & Drink sector, holding various Sales and Business Development roles. Stewart is extremely passionate about the Hospitality and Tourism sector in Moray & Speyside and is excited to contribute to the Board and the success of the region.
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James Creane-Smith - Director
James is the owner of Speyside Cottages & Balvenie St. Ice Cream. James relocated to Moray after 20 years in the automotive and finance sector, to support his families hospitality business in 2013 as well as opening his own ice cream parlour. James continued by establishing his holiday home business with its first renovation in 2016. Whisky Ice Cream initially brought James to Moray but he now gets the same passion from renovating properties, some staying within Speyside Cottages, to welcome and showcase all that Moray Speyside has to offer to visitors globally.