Meet the Team & Board

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stevie Milne - Director

Stevie has dedicated over three decades to the motor industry, where he gained invaluable experience in Sales and Marketing, Business Development, and Customer Relations. Having retired from the motor trade, Stevie now channels his expertise into the world of golf.

Transitioning into the golf industry, Stevie brings his wealth of knowledge and skills to various roles within the field. He is particularly passionate about increasing visitor numbers to local golf courses and has recently joined Visit Moray Speyside to further this endeavor.

With a deep-rooted commitment to his craft and a genuine love for the game, Stevie continues to make meaningful contributions to both the business and golfing communities.