Aberdeen Cyrenians has today announced two new trustees to serve on its board.

First started by Aberdeen University students as a soup kitchen, Aberdeen Cyrenians has supported some of the North-East of Scotland's most vulnerable and socially excluded people for over 50 years.

Among existing trustees, energy industry professional Bruce Bricknell, Rebecca Walker a solicitor with a local Aberdeen firm, energy industry professional Alastair Bisset and Lecturer in Sociology Caroline Hood - expert in investments and finance Lachlan Bursle and communications professional Fiona Lindsay have now been appointed.

Bruce Bricknell, Chairperson of Aberdeen Cyrenians said, “We are delighted to welcome Lachlan and Fiona to Aberdeen Cyrenians.”

“Both Fiona and Lachlan bring to our board a wealth of experience across finance and communications. The diversity of their skills and backgrounds will be integral in strengthening our board to continue providing care and support to those who need it in our community.

Aberdeen Cyrenians has faced unprecedented challenges throughout the pandemic and worked incredibly hard to meet the new needs for people in crisis. I know that both trustees will bring their extensive experience to provide strong leadership in guiding the charity forward, supporting us to deliver on our ambitions at this critical time.”

 Fiona Lindsay said “I’m delighted to join the board of an organisation that has such a special place in the hearts of so many in Aberdeen. I’m really looking forward to working with the whole team to build on the brilliant work to date.”

Lachlan Bursle said “It is a privilege to take up this role at Aberdeen Cyrenians. Over the past 50+ years the charity has been a vital helping hand in the city of Aberdeen. I look forward to making my contribution to further ensure that the charity can have a positive future.”

Bruce continued “Our services help tackle the complex needs of people in our community, with many of these issues caused as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are therefore continuing to quickly adapt and evolve to ensure that we can continue to provide a high level of service to those who need it.”

“Aberdeen Cyrenians has achieved some amazing things over more than 50 years such as developing a number of new services, including Get Digital, a project designed to help people in digital poverty, Strength for Tomorrow, who support adult survivors of childhood abuse, and Settled Homes for All, a new social letting agency helping people to access affordable accommodation in the private rented sector.  

“Today, we know that the needs of people in crisis are growing and changing fast, exacerbated by the pandemic, and we must continue to innovate and adapt to respond to these challenges.

“As we come out of lockdown, it is vitally important that people can continue to access the support they need to thrive.”