Tayside Re-Users has existed since 1995 as a charity & social enterprise involved in environmental matters. For over 20 years, we have promoted local and national environmental concerns, provided awareness and education about the recycling and re-use of resources, and worked closely with the local community to try to achieve these aims.
Tayside Re-Users generates the funds we need to exist through trading, rather than through more traditional fundraising. We accept donations of used furniture, white goods, electrical items and many other items from the public. These items are tested and sold from The Emporium, so that members of the public can get a good deal!
We put our energy into running a busy warehouse. This gives us the confidence to be sure we can accept donations, test and refurbish items and sell them onto the public. In turn this creates employment opportunities and the chance for individuals to volunteer in an active workplace. Tayside Re-Users regularly has 15 volunteers working with us to ensure that we can do all we can to help the environment and the local community.
Trustees
Shiona Baird – Chair
Shiona has a B.Sc (SocSci) and a Diploma in Social Administration, working initially as a Social Worker. She was a Green Party MSP for the North East Region and former Co-Convener of the Scottish Green Party. She is Chair of her local Community Council. She has been Chair of Tayside Re-Users since 2009. She ran a holiday rental business as well as being a working partner on the family farm until 2015. As an organic farmer environmental concerns are very close to her heart.
Richard Holme
Richard works as a lecturer in education at the University of Dundee having previously worked as a primary school teacher. he has a keen interest in all environmental issues and was formerly a Trustee of the Children’s Warehouse, an arts and re-use charity in Newcastle. He joined the Board of Tayside Re-Users in 2015.
Margaret Robb
Since retiring Margaret has dedicated much of her time to charitable work. Her interest in Tayside Re-Users spans many years as her concern for recycling and reuse involved her initially in practical work with the charity before joining the Board.
Liz Kay
Liz was originally employed in the graphic arts industry for most of her working life both in her native Toronto, Canada and in Dundee. Leaving for maternity, Liz decided to set up her own graphics business and other interests and ran these for 14 years. During this time, she was an active member of the Dundee Chamber of Commerce. This helped greatly with knowledge of local business, systems, legislation, national/international issues and protocols. Returning to college, Liz modernised her computer and communication skills and latterly held the Administrator position for a local church.
Dr. Matthew Davis
Doctorate in Scottish Architectural History with 15 years project management and development experience delivering digital projects. Director and founder of a social tech and consultancy company. Currently exploring alternative employment schemes and economic empowerment.
Ian Cookson
With degrees in biology and endocrinology, Ian has spent the bulk of his career as a director and chief executive/operations officer in a range of successful medium to large international companies in the medical diagnostics field. Ian brings to TR a wide range of experience and skills including operational and negotiation skills, an understanding of strategic development and a capacity for building and leading effective teams.
John Picken
Studied Architecture at The Mackintosh School of Architecture and went on to become a Partner with Ritchie Dagen and Allan. In 2011 he retired from architectural practice to concentrate on making art – painting and sculpture. John brings experience particularly in respect of retail design and re-purposing / refurbishment with a creative input in respect of style and presentation.
