Patricia Chisholm
OWNER
Pat has owned and run Highland Fling for over 2 decades and is as passionate as ever about ensuring that the children get the most out of their early years experiences. She is a former primary teacher who lived in Norway for many years. Pat has a background in the Froebel approach, which recognises that the first learning experiences of the very young influence not only their later educational achievements but also the health and development of society as a whole.
Jill Hamilton
OFFICE MANAGER
Jillian is based in the office and oversees the administrative side of the nursery. She is very interested in mid-century art and design and has a keen interest in music. As a mum to a little boy, she enjoys being active and spending time outdoors, reading and of course playing with him while he learns and grows.
JOANNE SHEPHERD
NURSERY MANAGER, PRIMARY TEACHER
Joanne has been with Highland Fling for a number of years specialising in the 3-5 year age groups. Prior to this she was a primary school teacher in East Lothian. Joanne has two school age children (who both came to Highland Fling) and she enjoys exploring the local environment with her family in her free time.
Joanne is one of our Child Protection officers and our Assisted Learning Specialist.
ROBBIE SMITH
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB MANAGER
ACTIVITY LEADER
A graduate and postgraduate in Sustainable Community Design from Heriot Watt University, Robbie has prior experience of working with children in the outdoors and is a qualified Woodland Activity Leader. In addition to managing the after-school club, Robbie supports outdoor learning in the nursery.
Robbie is one of our Child Protection officers.
JAMIE WOODS
NURSERY DEPUTY MANAGER SCOTTIE KEY WORKER
Jamie has studied photography, specialising in fine art. Having grown up in an extremely creative household, he uses his artistic ability to create fun, engaging activities for each child. He has also previously worked in childcare in Sweden and Malaysia.
Jamie is also a deputy child protection officer.
Kieran kivlin
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB DEPUTY MANAGER AND NESSIE KEY WORKER
Kieran comes to us with a background in sports and competed for Scotland Under18s in athletics (sprinting to be precise).
Jess Telfer
WEE MEECE KEY WORKER
NURSERY SUPERVISOR
Jess joined us at Highland Fling under the Modern Apprenticeship Programme, where she quickly gained her SVQ3. She has benefited from experience working in childcare in the United States and brings a wealth of experience and organisational skills to Highland Fling.
ANDREA Acz
WEE MEECE KEY WORKER
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
Andrea has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Teaching, Computing and Psychology and has recently completed her SVQ3. She has extensive experience of working with children from the age of 3 to 12 in both nurseries and after school clubs. Always smiling, Andrea loves to share her enthusiasm for life with the children.
tim sawyer
WEE MEECE KEY WORKER ACTIVITY LEADER
Tim started with Highland Fling in May 2021 and has quickly become a regular face in both the nursery and after school club. He brings a wealth of enthusiasm and enjoys sharing his varied interests with the children-notably music, skateboarding and crochet
emma kivlin
NESSIE KEY WORKER
NURSERY SUPERVISOR
Emma has an SVQ3 in Childcare and is a graduate of our apprentice programme, having been invited to the Scottish Parliament as part of a drive to highlight successful placements. She comes from a big family and has always loved working and playing with children. Emma has experience working with children of all ages and enjoys arts and crafts, music and cooking
jane mckinley
NESSIE KEY WORKER
EARLY YEARS PRACTITIONER
Jane undertook a student placement with us as part of her childcare qualification through Edinburgh College and we decided she was too good to let go! She has since worked with us across a range of areas and is now a Wee Meece Key Worker.
Jane has completed her SVQ3 and is our Fire Safety Officer.
JACKIE SUTHERLAND
ACTIVITY LEADER
Jackie has over 10 years experience working with the children of Highland Fling in both the nursery and the after school club. She has completed her SVQ3 in Childcare and is the dedicated staff member providing additional needs support.
RYAN Lynch
ACTIVITY LEADER
Ryan is a graduate from Stirling University’s B.A. (Hons) Psychology and Sports Studies programme. He is a keen basketball player and has a coaching licence in the sport.
AsmaA abubakir
SCOTTIE KEY WORKER
ACTIVITY LEADER
Asmaa started her career at Highland Fling as a valued volunteer before undertaking a National Certificate in Childcare from Edinburgh College. She is now studying for the HNC and has many years of experience working with children of all ages. Asmaa enjoys sharing her love of travel and culture with the children.
hamish wilson
SCOTTIE KEY WORKER ACTIVITY LEADER
Hamish has a degree in psychology from the University of Dundee.
Hamish has done quite a bit in the way of coaching, from helping his father who coaches athletics weekly for disabled youngsters to being a volunteer coach with Dundee United whilst at university.
HANNAH TREAGUS
ACTIVITY LEADER
Hannah works in the after-school club, most regularly caring for the p1 Neeps. Hannah previously worked at Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled and is passionate about horses. She plays violin and snare drum and enjoys sharing these skills with the children