Trustees
The John Preston Trust is managed by a small group of trustees who meet periodically to consider applications and make decisions on awarding grants.
Roz Preston, Chair
Roz Preston is a retired former dress designer, primary school teacher, political aide in the Blair administration, office manager for Ian Murray MP and boat builder. As wife of the late John Preston for forty years, she also describes herself as having been “married to the music industry”. She now resides with her 2 Tibetan Terriers in Edinburgh where she draws, paints and writes novels which reflect the exciting and varied life she has led. She also spends time sailing Sweet Dreams, the boat she and John built in a barn in Dorset.
Belinda Robertson, Trustee
Belinda has had a varied career working in law and investment management before moving into the Third sector where she worked for a large Scottish children’s charity. She then moved to Scottish Government where she led on permanency for children and young people in the statutory care system and was a professional advisor for a number of years. She is currently an Associate Director in NHS Scotland where she leads on quality improvement and systems change. In her spare time Belinda enjoys walking her dog on the local beach, reading and the arts.
Mary MacLeod, Secretary
Mary Macleod was a social worker for 40 years. For most of these years she worked with Children and their Families specialising eventually in Family Group Decision Making – where families come together to make plans for their family. Young people and their wellbeing both mentally and physically has been very much at the heart of her work with Mary being very aware of young people who have less choices than many. Mary has been on several committees throughout her life. Grampian Health Board, Orkney Complaints Review Committee, Chair of Pilton Health Board, North East of Edinburgh Credit Union and until very recently the Chair of Home Start East Lothian.
James Hutcheson, Trustee
James Hutcheson, an award-winning artist and designer, has enjoyed a long career in book design and illustration working for various publishing houses throughout the UK. He was Canongate Books art director before moving on to Birlinn, where he was creative director. He now runs his own publishing/design studio in Newhaven, Edinburgh. As a member of the Lost Poets since the 1970s, he is also a musician and songwriter.
Phoebe Stone, Trustee
Phoebe Stone is an accomplished artist who also has experience of working in law offices and local government. She now works full time for an organisation administering the funding of tertiary education in Scotland. Phoebe brings a wealth of experience in these sectors as well as significantly lowering the average age profile of the board. Her skills and knowledge are a great asset to the board, as is her ability to navigate the world of social media.
David Heavenor, Trustee
David Heavenor is an experienced Arts Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Skilled in working with non-profit organisations, theatre management, fundraising, production and songwriting, his depth of knowledge makes him a great addition to the board. David also worked alongside the late John Preston on the board of the Queens Hall in Edinburgh, and thus brings a unique understanding of John in a professional role.
Lindsays
We also welcome Helen Kidd and Connor Barnes of Lindsays. As solicitors with extensive experience of the charitable sector, Lindsays will be responsible for the distribution of funds to successful applicants and helping with the administration of the John Preston Trust in the years ahead.