About Us

We’re here to make Burntisland even better

We are a community led organisation that supports local projects and initiatives to help Burntisland thrive.

Our Vision

For Burntisland to be a vibrant and forward-looking seaside town with a great community spirit, working together to make the most of our cultural and natural assets, providing quality services and facilities for people living in or visiting the town.

viewpoint up the Binn looking towards black rock

How we can help?

We are here to support all projects large and small, from building engagement, connecting people and helping with funding and planning.

Our work is guided by the Burntisland Community Action Plan (CAP) 2023-2028. The CAP was created in partnership between ourselves and the Burntisland Community Council after consultation with over 1,000 residents and visitors in the town.

From over 500 returned householder surveys, many conversations with community groups and a big event in March 2023, we were able to find out what matters most to the people of Burntisland. It is the role of this Trust to encourage, empower and help where we can to bring to life to initiatives and projects that have been identified as priority issues.

‘Hello’ from the BCDT Board

The Trust is run by a Board of volunteer Directors who can provide guidance and expertise and offer the framework of a constituted organisation with charitable status to give projects a solid foundation to develop community action from.

Our Values

Sustainable

We are resilient and responsible change makers

Supportive

We enable our community through encouragement and practical solutions

Collaborative

We work with our community and listen without prejudice or judgement

Innovative

We are creative, always seeking enterprising ways to make Burntisland thrive

Engaging

We help to make stronger connections with our community, visitors and stakeholders

Accessible

We are advocates of equality and the fair treatment for every individual in our community 

Meet the Team

  • David Lyon

    SECRETARY

    David has extensive experience in senior local government management. He now has his own consultancy working primarily with the third sector. He has a very cool retro caravan and loves to travel, play the piano, run and cycle.

  • Louise Chapman

    DIRECTOR

    Louise has a background in Events management and helps to keep the large team of Big Green Market volunteers running smoothly. She is passionate about sustainability and crafting and can turn her hand to most crafts.

  • Jane Searles

    DIRECTOR

    Jane has a background in IT and data modelling but her passion these days now is about connecting communities. When she isn’t talking to people at the What’s Happening? group she loves playing bridge and rambling.

  • Andy Pay

    DIRECTOR

    Andy is our residential Ecologist and is a Director for the Burntisland Harbour Access Trust. If that wasn’t enough, he also organises the monthly Acoustic Club in Burntisland. Spot him on his walkabouts around the town with his binoculars and faithful companion Harris.

  • Kitty O'Connor

    CHAIRR

    Kitty runs our monthly Climate Cafe, she is a committed environmentalist and works in a professional capacity throughout Fife to help people live lower carbon lives. She is a keen gardener and carrot cake maker.

  • Iain Ralph

    DIRECTOR

    After retiring from the Forces, Iain settled down in Burntisland and does his best to ensure that everyone in our community has their voice heard. He is also the Chair of the Central Burntisland Tenant’s and Resident’s Association.

  • Ken Wilson

    TREASURER

    Ken puts his Accountancy skill to good use as BCDT’s Treasurer. Not only is he good with numbers, he is also an accomplished artist and exhibits every year from his home in Burntisland as part of Central Fife Open Studios. He loves travelling and the great outdoors and can often be found up a Munro or in some far flung place many thousands of miles away from home.

  • Elinor Gallant

    DIRECTOR

    Elinor is excited to be talking to people about developing ideas to support art and creativity in Burntisland. If you have any ideas, she’d love to hear from you. Elinor also gives HR support to our Development Officers so perhaps it isn’t surprising that she regularly winds down at yoga classes on the High Street.

  • Tim Lewis

    DIRECTOR

    Tim has extensive experience in connecting people with the environment they live in. He recently joined the BCDT Board as he wanted to help deliver the CAP priorities and become more involved at a local level.

  • Aileen Aitken

    DIRECTOR

    Aileen is an experienced Community Development Professional, now semi-retired, but carries out consultancy work and volunteers on projects which tie in with her values of social justice and community empowerment. Projects which tackle the cost-of-living crisis are a particular interest.

Become a member

We are only as strong as our members. Membership is FREE and it only takes seconds to sign up. Why not join us today to stay in touch and receive our monthly e-newsletter?