A renowned charity based on the outskirts of Aberdeen has announced a key appointment that will be instrumental in shaping the future of its presence in and around the city.
After a year as Chief Operating Officer, Craig Strachan has moved into the role of CEO as part of Camphill Wellbeing Trust’s planned succession process.
Before joining the Trust in May 2025, Craig worked as Project Manager for an executive partnership in Dundee, leading work to improve outcomes for 16 to 19-year-olds by increasing engagement in employment, education, and training. Previously, he spent 17 years at Dundee and Angus College in a variety of lecturing and senior leadership roles, including Head of Curriculum and Quality of Access and Supported Education from 2019.
He brings to the role of CEO strong insight into the Trust’s operational delivery and strategic priorities, with his time as COO instrumental in him developing a deep understanding of Cults and the surrounding communities.
The change will see outgoing CEO Dr Aileen Primrose retain links with the Trust in a new role as advisor to the board and CEO. She will have a particular remit to focus on AnthroHealth education and training, as well as providing strategic input on projects such as the Compass Project, a multimillion-pound project to transform the former Waldorf School buildings at Cults, Aberdeen, into a community-oriented centre for healthy, sustainable living.
The £1.6 million third phase of the Compass project is already 35% funded. As well as revenue funding to support existing and developing activities, Phase 3 involves the sustainable refurbishment and repurposing of a former science block and kindergarten to create the East Point Health & Enterprise Hub. This will house a range of facilities including a craft/upcycling workshop, offices, a volunteer hub plus an organic café, play café and a zero-waste training kitchen that will showcase produce from the Trust’s own gardens.
In total Compass has attracted almost 17000 volunteering hours from some 1431 volunteers since its initial launch in 2020
Commenting on his new role as CEO of Camphill Wellbeing Trust, Craig Strachan said: “This is an era of opportunity for the Trust and, therefore, an exciting time to be moving into the role of CEO. Building on the Trust’s strong values and legacy, I look forward to helping strengthen our impact so that more people than ever can benefit from what we do, and how we do it.
“The Compass Project gives us a clear opportunity to innovate and grow, and I look forward to helping shape a future that is led by purpose and committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for the whole community.”
Reflecting on her 24-year links with the Trust, Dr Primrose said: “I am so very fortunate that all those years ago I found a ‘home’ within Camphill, where my talents could be used and developed and where I found inspiration which has enabled me to commit my life’s work to advancing a vision in line with the Camphill ethos.
“I am confident that Craig will also move all CWT projects forward in line with the Camphill ethos. I know he will be well supported in his endeavours to ensure that CWT continues to provide the high-quality services and experiences that our patients, customers, volunteers and supporters have come to expect.”
Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a Scottish charity supporting the wellbeing of patients and their families through an integrated, person-centred approach to health, education and social care. It is part of the worldwide Camphill Movement which began in Aberdeen in 1940 and now extends to more than 100 Camphill communities worldwide, all of which are committed to enriching lives and enabling people to make meaningful contributions to society. To find out more visit, www.camphillwellbeingtrust.org.uk or email admin@cwt.scot
To find out more about the Compass Project, visit www.compassaberdeen.org.uk