Kieran will be helping us out with our WDT-led projects, but is main focus will be the Westray Community Garden. We asked Kieran to tell you a little about himself;
“Hello! My name’s Kieran Fowler and I’m delighted to be here in Westray as a Graduate Project Officer working for the Trust. In my role I will be focussing on the development of the Westray Community Garden. Originally I am from Aberdeenshire however I’ve spent the last six years of my life in Glasgow where I studied at Strathclyde University. More recently I’ve been studying part-time at Scotland’s Rural college and University of Edinburgh, working in Food Security & Sustainable Agriculture.
Growing up in Aberdeenshire I was always interested in farming and my summers were often spent working on sheep and strawberry farms. Alongside this, I’ve worked as a gardener and landscaper across Aberdeen and Glasgow for a number of years. I am someone who enjoys working outdoors and have always been fascinated by nature.
Asides gardening and farming I am a keen footballer, playing for Highland League Huntly’s youth programme and a brief spell at junior level for Culter F.C. I was also previously a manager for the Strathclyde Uni amateur team which was an eye opening experience. I look forward to playing with the Westray team in the Parish cup next year, if they will have me along!
Aberdeen is my favourite football team and I have wasted many a day traipsing around the country to watch them play (and more often than not, lose). I am constantly reminded by my Dad and Grandad that Aberdeen used to be a good team!
I am also a big rugby fan and have been along to Murrayfield a few times to see Scotland play. As you can probably tell I am an avid watcher of sport – football, rugby, tennis, darts and snooker to name a few.
I also fancy myself as a good cook – although my friends and family may say otherwise! I am excited to get my hands on some Westray prime beef and have already been along to Pierowall fish to try some of the local produce.
Over the next 12 months you may bump into me at the Gym, at the hotel embarrassing myself on the dartboard/pool table, or most probably the Westray Community Garden. I can’t wait to get stuck in and I look forward to working with Mark and the rest of the garden team to build upon the great work which has already been done over the past few years.”
We are grateful to Highlands & Islands Enterprise who are 75% funding Kieran’s placement with us at WDT.
