Amanda Airey (Interim Chair and Secretary) was co-opted to the PCAA committee in 2024, and is now a full CAP board trustee. She has given invaluable help with documentation, grant applications and governance tasks. She is now a full CAP Board member and is also a freelance Development and Partnerships Manager for Visual Arts Scotland. Amanda has agreed to act as Chair for an interim period as from the AGM in June 2026.
Carol Mann (Treasurer) was a PCAA member for many years. “On retiring from my job as Business Manager for NHS Education for Scotland, I was invited to take on the role as PCAA treasurer. This has been both challenging and enjoyable, working with the other lovely volunteers. I started the role 9 years ago and now looking to
pass on the purse strings in the future.” We are thankful that Carol has agreed to take the Treasurer’s role as CAP navigates its first year.
Rebekah Dyer (Ex-Officio Membership Secretary) joined the PCAA committee in 2022 and soon became membership secretary, taking over from Di Davies. Rebekah has also represented the PCAA on the Steering Committee of the new Penicuik Heritage Trail and has helped with the organisation documents. She has agreed to continue her membership secretary role for CAP in an ex-officio capacity.
Andrew Gillie has lived in Penicuik since 2008. “I view it as my community. Like all communities, it is multi-faceted. One aspect of this is the need for availability of, and access to, what is widely referred to as “the arts”. This means very different things to different people, but my main reason for becoming more involved with CAP was to hopefully help develop ideas and events that become available to those who wish to interact with them. Often this may be things that are less well known, or are not widely available, and this may be the most important aspect of CAPs activities.
I previously sat on the committee of the PCAA. After the PCAA ceased to exist, CAP formed to fill that gap and after a year or so away, I felt I was ready to contribute again. Hopefully I can do so in a beneficial way? My particular interest is photography, and I see myself as a hobbyist. However, I greatly envy those who have the skills to paint, draw, sculpt, or otherwise create things that make us think and give us pleasure.
Dave Owen is an experienced artist and musician with many practical skills! “I discovered the Arts centre café the first day I came to Penicuik looking for somewhere for us to stay when we moved here in 2007. It was clear that as well as good cakes, the centre would be a great source of entertainment and sociability. I joined the committee a few years later and have served on it (on and off) ever since. I like to be involved with practical matters, such as hanging exhibitions, helping at concerts etc. We are very lucky to be able to provide top class arts of all types for our community and I am pleased to be a part of helping that happen.“
Morag Barry (professionally known as Morag Donkin) graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a BA Hons Painting degree in 2013 and is a prize winning artist. Morag has exhibited work at the Scottish National Gallery, the Fleming Collection, Edinburgh Filmhouse, The Sutton Gallery, The Open Eye and Edinburgh Fine Art Library. She is currently leading and facilitating art groups in Penicuik. Morag is the newest member of the CAP Board. “I want to promote the arts in Penicuik, and add my experience as an artist to the organisation. I hope to provide opportunities for creativity for all members of the community. “
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
Sue Owen (Chair) joined the PCAA in about 2008 and was soon on the committee as Treasurer, Secretary, and was Chair from November 2019 until its wind-down in March 2025.. She was then Chair of the CAP board of trustees during its first year of startup. “I enjoy singing and playing the fiddle. I love to see others’ creativity and I enjoy making nice things happen in Penicuik“. Sue steps down from the Board at the AGM in June 2026.
Jackie McDonald (Exhibitions) moved to Penicuik with her family in 1986. “I have always had an interest in visual arts and painting. When I retired in 2012 I thought it was time to repay the community so joined the committee as chair. I organised classical and folk music events and helped with the annual arts festival. I passionately
believe that the arts are important to fostering a community spirit.” Jackie has been the key organiser for PCAA exhibitions in the cafe (now closed) and for the annual Open Exhibition for the Penicuik Turner and People’s Choice prizes. Jackie agreed to continue this role during CAP’s startup year, and steps down at the AGM in June 2026.