Lochview Rural Training Trustees
Tracie Drummond
Chair of Trustees
Tracie was born in Inverness and raised in Lairg, where her family ran a small croft. She holds a degree in Business Administration and spent over two decades in the local tourism industry, including as Operations Manager with VisitScotland. She later worked at Lairg Learning Centre on a Climate Change project and now divides her time between Bradbury Daycare Centre and supporting children with additional needs. As a trustee, Tracie is passionate about helping young people grow in confidence and skills through local programmes. In her free time, she enjoys photography, beachcombing, gardening, and crafts.
Caroline Matheson
Trustee
Caroline Matheson grew up in South and West Africa, where her father ran agricultural colleges—an early influence that fostered her passion for the rural sector. She holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Edinburgh and an MSc in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), complemented by a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture. Caroline has dedicated her career to the rural sector, working with organisations such as NatureScot, Scottish Water, and the Crofting Commission. In 2012, she purchased a livestock farm near Edderton and launched a butchery and charcuterie business. Alongside this, she has been a GIS Consultant since 2012, specialising in croft registration, land registration, planning maps, and rural mapping and analysis. Caroline’s passion for working with young people stems from having young people in her life who didn’t thrive in traditional school environments but were eager to learn and work outdoors. She believes strongly in the mission of Lochview Rural Training to fill a gap in rural skills and provide meaningful opportunities for young people.
Aimee Campbell
Trustee
Aimee Campbell grew up on a farm in Easter Ross, where she has lived all her life. Joining Lochview Rural Training as a Trustee in 2024, Aimee also sits on the Young Persons Steering Group, bringing a fresh perspective and youthful enthusiasm to the board. Although she didn’t grow up around livestock, Aimee has a great interest in both arable and livestock farming and especially enjoys learning about livestock management. She is also actively involved with her local young farmers group, sharing her passion for agriculture and encouraging other young people to consider careers in the sector. At just 18 years old, Aimee sees the importance of practical agricultural courses and is dedicated to helping Lochview Rural Training offer valuable opportunities for young people in rural communities.
Gwen Jensen
Trustee
Gwen Jensen was brought up on a mixed farm 30 miles from Lochview Rural Training, where her passion for animals and agriculture was sparked at a young age. This led her to pursue an honours degree in Animal Health, followed by two years abroad working in agriculture, gaining valuable experience in the sector. After returning to the UK, Gwen spent six years lecturing in agriculture and animal health at a college in Wales. During this time, she also studied for her Post Graduate Certificate of Education, combining her practical expertise with a passion for teaching and mentoring. In 2012, Gwen returned to Tain with her husband and daughters and is currently working as an agricultural assessor in the beef, sheep, and arable sectors. Her wealth of experience and dedication to agriculture make her a valuable asset to the team at Lochview Rural Training.
Steve Russell
Trustee
Steve brings a diverse background and a strong commitment to supporting young people to his role as a trustee at Lochview Rural Training. After a successful career in plumbing, he relocated to the Scottish Highlands, where he discovered a passion for working with young people with autism and additional support needs. His dedication and enthusiasm for inclusive, land-based learning led to his involvement with the organisation and eventual appointment to the board. In addition to his work with Lochview, Steve is an avid outdoorsman with a keen interest in environmental sustainability. He spends much of his time beekeeping, hiking, and skiing, and is a strong advocate for the positive impact of nature-based experiences on mental health and wellbeing. Outside of his professional and voluntary commitments, he is a devoted music enthusiast and lifelong football supporter. Steve’s energy, compassion, and hands-on approach make him a valuable asset to the Lochview team.
Emma Smith
Trustee
Emma grew up in the countryside of North Yorkshire and now lives and works in the Scottish Highlands, where she runs a successful farm and tourism business. Her enterprise offers a wide range of experiences for both visitors and the local community, providing opportunities to connect with nature, animals, and rural life. Emma brings a wealth of practical experience and insight to her role as a trustee, drawing on years of running her own business and engaging with rural communities. She is passionate about horse riding, walking her dogs through the Highland landscape, and the daily rhythms of working the land. Emma’s deep understanding of rural living, combined with her strong sense of community and commitment to sustainability, make her a valuable and thoughtful member of the board.