Board of Trustees & Senior Management

Ann Southwood – Board Chair

Originally from York, Ann gained an honours degree in Geography & Geology from Middlesex University and moved to Scotland/Edinburgh in 1976 to undertake postgraduate studies at Napier University. She fell in love with the country and the people and has been here ever since.

Ann spent 20 years employed with Lanarkshire and Edinburgh & Lothian Careers Services, followed by a 4-year secondment to Scottish Government with the Adult Education Guidance Initiative Scotland (AEGIS) and 18 years as Principal & CEO to Newbattle Abbey College, Scotland’s national adult education residential college working with adults and young people. She received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Education from Queen Margaret University in 2018.

Ann has a passion for animal welfare and joined the Board of Trustees in May 2018, and was appointed Chair of the charity in October 2018. She is the proud owner of Una, a 4-year-old Border Collie, who she and her partner rehomed via BPR.

Shirley Cuthbertson FCCA, ACG– Board Treasurer

A qualified chartered accountant for over 20 years, Shirley has also been a member of the chartered governance institute UK & Ireland for over 6 years. She has accountancy experience in a variety of business sectors including IT Services, Housing Charities, Financial Service and now has her own accountancy company.

Shirley has been a Trustee carrying out the role of Treasurer since December 2018, supporting us through some exciting times such as the construction of the kennel project at the Rescue Centre.

She is a keen animal lover and has rescue cats of her own. Shirley also loves hedgehogs, and helps the Centre with fostering them. She has lived in the Scottish Borders for over 20 years and being a keen cyclists enjoys the outdoor life.

Marian Docherty – Board Member – Chair of the Staffing Sub-Group

Marian has had an extensive career in the Education sector in roles ranging fromTeacher, high school Head Teacher, School Inspector, College Lecturer, College Depute Principal, and College Principal. Marian has been retired since 2021 and joined the Board of Trustees in 2022.

Marian has lived in Galashiels for over 10 years and has2 rescue dogs.

Karen Adams – Board Member – Chair of the Animal Welfare Sub-Group

Karen has been involved in rescue and rehabilitation with different charities for over 30 years and has enjoyed voluntary roles such as fosterer, home checker, rehoming manager and was employed by the RSPCA Halifax and District Branch as a Training & Behaviour Advisor. Having previously been Trustee for Beagle Welfare and Run Free Alliance, Karen originally joined the Board of Trustees for Borders Pet Rescue in 2018, stepping down after 3 years in 2021 and returning in early 2023. Karen had run her own dog training, behaviour, and therapeutic canine massage business for 10 years before moving from Yorkshire to the Scottish Borders.

Karen and her husband currently share their home with 9 dogs; 6 Beagles,2 Italian Spinone, and a Working Cocker Spaniel. She enjoys training her dogs, running with the younger dogs and a steady walk in the lovely countryside with the older dogs.

Gemma Lockie – Board Member – Chair of the Fundraising Committee

Gemma qualified as an Accountant (ACCA) in 2011 and has worked in a variety of accounting roles over her 20-year career with Plexus Corp (UK) Limited and more recently with the NHS.

Gemma has had an interest in Border Pet Rescue for over 10 years since adopting her cat Poppy from the Centre and seeing the good work that the charity does. Out with work Gemma enjoys hillwalking, stand-up comedy, and watching football.
Gemma joined the board in March 2023.

Gill Donnan – Board Member – Chair of the Volunteering Committee

Gill has worked within healthcare settings for over 28 years. A qualified nurse, she worked with adults and children with disabilities, before moving to the substance use field. Gill currently works as a Training & Development Officer and has worked across statutory and voluntary bodies.

Throughout her life, she has lived with animals, including many rescued through local charities and word of mouth. She has raised money through sponsored walks and online challenges and is a passionate advocate for animal welfare.