On June 3rd 2006, Columba 1400 celebrated its Sixth Birthday, one year on from the Princess Royal’s visit to the Columba 1400 centre in Staffin.  Columba’s Board of Trustees and others in the Columban family once again trod the Princess Royal’s Walk to the stone which marks Craig Matheson’s historic journey to the South Pole.

Many of the Trustees brought their families to Staffin with them, and the lively weekend included a celebratory birthday dinner, and a trip out into Staffin bay on the Sea Eagle for the children. 

There was also a visit to Quiraing Lodge for Stuart and Geraldine Mitchell to see progress on the refurbishments.  Quiraing Lodge will be an important step for Columba 1400 – not only will it address many of the accommodation issues that we sometimes face, but there will also be some programme space available which will allow us more flexibility in running concurrent programmes or programmes in more varied settings.  The builders estimate that work on the Lodge will be completed in November 2006.  Again, we thank Stuart and Geraldine Mitchell for their overwhelming generosity in making this space available to us.

The weekend held many important and positive meetings about Columba’s future, including a progress report on funds raised so far for the building extension - we currently have pledges for £440,000 towards the total goal of £1.2 million.  We held our first meeting of Columba 1400 Staffin Ltd which marks the start of a new era in our organizational structure.  After long consideration with our professional advisors we have decided to establish a wholly owned, non-profit trading subsidiary to Columba 1400.  This entity will ensure best practice in all our governance arrangements and greater clarity and security in our structure.  Presently, Graeme Crawford, Barry Ayre and Stevie Siegerson are serving as Directors of this company.

Also taking place over the weekend was the Columba 1400 Annual General Meeting where Jane Ross and Ruth Wishart formally joined the Board of Trustees.  We warmly welcome Jane and Ruth to the Columban family.

Ruth writes a weekly column for The Herald and presents Values Added for BBC Radio Scotland.  She has been a great supporter of Columba 1400 over the years, and we are thrilled that she brings her wealth of experience to the Board of Trustees.  

Jane has lived in Staffin for many years, and is well respected in the community.  She has been involved in Columba 1400’s story since the very beginning, and we are delighted that Jane has joined our Board of Trustees, not only for the local voice that she can bring to the conversations, but also for her commitment to Columba’s ideals and the young people who come through our doors.