Rothiemurchus Lodge is a Charity and registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Under OSCR’s regulations Trustees are required to ensure the Charity is managed appropriately. The Rothiemurchus Lodge Charity has three trustees selected to represent the sectors that lie at the heart of the Charity’s Objectives.

1. To provide or assist in providing recreational facilities for Regular and Reserve personnel, Cadets, and a wider audience of young people from education sector and youth organisations. With the object of improving the wellbeing and the conditions of life.

2. To advance or assist in the advancement of education and those training in outdoor pursuits.

Rothiemurchus Lodge Charity Trustees

  • Captain (Retd) Chris Smith Royal Navy- Trustee

    Chris has been involved with Rothiemurchus Lodge in a variety of roles since 2007, having first discovered the Lodge very early in his career. He maintains a healthy interest in the opportunities that exist to support Veteran’s wellbeing and is President of the Royal Naval Association in Scotland, and sits on the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Veteran’s affairs. He remains very active in the outdoor environment and charity sector, having retired from the Royal Navy in 2021.

  • Nick Bates- Trustee

    Joining the Royal Navy as a Graduate in 1998, Nick spent over 26 years in the Fleet Air Arm on flying operations around the globe. Moving to Edinburgh in 2018 when involved in the Aircraft Carrier programme, it was from here that he was able to enjoy the Cairngorms, the Lodge, and the plethora of activities associated with both. Command of a Unit in Edinburgh allowed him to expand this experience to his Naval Cadets. Retiring from Regular Service in 2025, and still a volunteer Reserve, Nick spends time supporting charities, often through sport-related fundraising challenges. He sits on the Board of the local Sea Cadet Unit. 

  • Mr. Al McNeill- Trustee

    Al served as an Engineer Officer in the RAF from 1988 to 2009. After leaving the military, he retrained as a Maths teacher and joined Gordonstoun School, where he taught from 2009 to 2025. A keen hillwalker and skier, Al has led several expeditions to Rothiemurchus Lodge-both during RAF career and later as a Housemaster at Gordonstoun. He is delighted to be part of a new chapter for the Lodge, working in partnership with Gordonstoun and welcoming interest from across the education sector.

  • Squadron Leader (Retd) Nick McGuigan- Lodge Manager

    Nick retired in 2024 having served in the RAF for thirty-seven years, the last ten with II(AC) Sqn at RAF Lossiemouth. He has acted as Deputy Chairman for Rothiemurchus Lodge since 2013. Living locally, Nick is fully invested in securing a successful future for the Lodge and he has managed the facility since the military distanced themselves in May 2024. Running the Lodge allows Nick to fulfill his ambition to encourage past, present and future guests to visit the Highlands and experience all that the area has to offer.