ECCAN’s work is supported by a small team of paid staff and volunteers.
Staff
Mark Dowey
Network Lead
Mark is a Chartered Architect who has shifted his focus to climate change through a Masters in Environmental Management. Recent work in the environmental and climate sector include as a Built Environment specialist with CoMoUK (shared transport charity) and working on Architecture and Design Scotland’s Climate Action Towns project.
Contact: mark@eccan.scot
Jean-Matthieu Gaunand
Network Coordinator
With a background in community project management, I started working at SCCAN in 2018 as SCCAN communications coordinator and later as Network Weaver. I am now the Network Coordinator for the Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network.
Contact: jean-matthieu@eccan.scot
Trustees
Carole Kelly
ECCAN Convener
Carole has extensive leadership experience gained predominantly in the third sector to support the inclusion and wellbeing of families and individuals in Scotland. She is currently a consultation analyst for a social research company and a volunteer at Bridgend Farmhouse, a community resource specialising in environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Contact: convener@eccan.scot
Christina Hildrew
ECCAN Treasurer
Christina is a governance specialist with a background in community development, advocacy, citizen participation, and policy reform. She brings experience of directing multi-million pound international programmes, grant management and recruitment together with a passion for local action on climate and intergenerational equity.
Contact: treasurer@eccan.scot
Dr Peter Wood
ECCAN Secretary
Dr Peter Wood teaches environmental studies, science and management at The Open University in Scotland, and has conducted sustainability research for charities, think tanks and governments. A trade unionist, he is the founding chair of the UCU Climate and Ecological Emergency Committee. He lives in Shandon.
Ben Carter
ECCAN Trustee
I have lived and worked in Edinburgh on and off since 1987 and I am now settled in the city. I have worked in renewables since 2010. Today my job is to focus on how to convert our local energy system from gas boilers to a viable low carbon alternative.
Adrian Barbascumpa
ECCAN Trustee
With a robust background in finance, accounting, audit, and legal document review, I bring
invaluable expertise to the table. I aim to safeguard organisational interests and ensure
sound financial management and legal compliance. I am poised to contribute effectively as
an ECCAN Trustee, fostering prosperity and stability within the organisation.
Rachel Pidgeon
ECCAN trustee
Rachel is an Edinburgh resident and programme manager at a health equity funder, currently leading work to build awareness and agency for people most impacted by air pollution. Rachel has a background in strategic communications and campaigning across a range of social purpose initiatives in the UK and internationally.
Volunteers
Jasmine Blyth
I’m going to be with ECCAN during my third year at the University of Glasgow, studying Community Development. During my placement I’ll be doing my best to get involved with as many events, organisations and people as possible! I am looking forward to learning from you all and hoping to create more opportunities to build communities, share resources, experiences etc in the fight for a better, greener future!
Isabella Claydon
I came to Edinburgh from the west coast to study and have just finished a master’s in environmental humanities. I’m excited to volunteer for ECCAN to act on my studies and contribute to climate action in Edinburgh – Isabella
Jamie Renwick
Hi all, I’m really looking forward to volunteering with ECCAN! I currently work as a Finance & Data Assistant for a B Corp who provide support for third sector organisations to help then map out and track their impact. I have a keen interest in data and climate action and I hope to help the team with any data analysis work that needs to be done and I have enjoyed helping with the survey results so far! Jamie
Maëlle Tholome
I’m Maëlle, currently studying Sustainable Development at the University of Edinburgh. By studying for this degree and volunteering at SCCAN, I spend my days exploring my passion for conserving our planet. Eager to learn more as I confront the real world, I am excited by what ECCAN offers Edinburgh, Scotland, and the world in climate protection!
Harriet Dykke
Hello! My name is Harriet and I volunteer at ECCAN. I moved to Edinburgh to study for an MSc Environmental Sustainability and I stuck around afterwards because I love it here. I’m excited to work with ECCAN to support community-led, environmental action. I hope to help Edinburgh become greener, more resilient, and more climate-conscious.
Matt Holmes
Hi I’m Matt! I’m a Structural Engineer who’s passionate about sustainable development and natural building, and recently spent a year in Croatia volunteering in this field. Inspired by this, I joined ECCAN with the hope of leading workshops and offering my skills for the good of community groups. I’m excited to be working with the other volunteers and look forward to meeting other members soon.
Athene Robertson
I am a recent graduate from Edinburgh University in English literature and French with a passion for environmental and social justice. I love the city of Edinburgh and cannot think of any better way to start fighting for a brighter future than with the incredible communities and natural world that I have found here. – Athene
Mary Omengala
I’m Mary Omengala, I moved to Edinburgh after my masters from university of Dundee where I studied Environmental law. I am excited to join ECCAN to support Edinburgh community action to achieve friendly and sustainable environment as part of the global climate initiatives.
Zoe Johnstone
I joined as a new volunteer with ECCAN in 2024, hoping to get involved in lots of community activities and initiatives. I’m also a member of staff within Edinburgh’s Public Library Service, and I always try to find ways to bring my interests in local volunteering and public art projects to my day job.
Rafi Al Amin
Rafi brings expertise in social media communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy compliance to ECCAN. Passionate about community, climate change, and energy, he aims to accelerate Edinburgh’s Climate Strategies through his participation in ECCAN.
Ruth Hudson
I’m excited to join as a communications volunteer to contribute to the invaluable work of ECCAN in taking real action on climate change through connecting the people of Edinburgh with carbon-reduction initiatives. I previously worked with scientists in promoting COVID-19 research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and am passionate about addressing planetary health issues.