ASK is a wholly owned trading subsidiary of ASSET. Cosmos Planetarium is a STEM outreach of ASK. Meet our team…
Scottish Charity Number SCO45931
Community Benefit Society No 7524
Station House, South Street, Milnathort, Kinross KY13 9XB
Ask about current opportunities info@aerospacekinross.com
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Hannah graduated with a Bachelor of Education with Honours from Edinburgh University in 2012. She began her career as a Primary Teacher for Fife Council, working in both full-time and supply roles. Her passion for education was a natural progression from her prior experience providing visitor services, classroom sessions, and outreach programs at an aquarium.
With a focus on science education, Hannah actively pursued professional development with SSERC and became a leader in science curriculum development at her school. After taking time to be a full-time mother to her daughter in 2017, she launched a successful franchise business in 2020, where she spent five years teaching science to preschool children and their families.
Hannah joined Aero Space Kinross as a part-time STEM Educator in 2021. Demonstrating strong commitment and hard work, she was promoted to STEM Engagement Manager in January 2025. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing video games, and Dungeons and Dragons.
Steven Gray has had a lifelong fascination with the night sky and has been a keen amateur astronomer for many years. He has a wide practical knowledge of astronomical equipment, is an experienced observer of many celestial objects and is an astrophotographer. He also has many years of experience doing astronomy outreach at all levels. With our planetarium Steven has years of experience engaging with the public, developing bespoke shows, content and running presenter led sessions. Over the course of a typical year Steven engages with well over 10,000 people of all ages! Steven is the President of the British Association Planetaria, an elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2017 Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellow, STEM Ambassador, Member of the International Planetarium Society and Member of the International Dark Sky Association.
James Green has worked in the UK nuclear and electronics sectors for over 30 years, during that time he has had a keen interest in astronomy. As an experienced amateur astronomer, he has been delivering astronomy outreach at primary & secondary schools and with various Scouts/Guides groups for many years. James works part-time with our planetarium and has years of experience engaging with the public and running presenter led sessions. Over the last year James has engaged with 1,000’s of people of all ages in the planetarium. James has a BSc (Hons) in Physics, is a Member of the Institute of Physics, an elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, a Member of the British Association of Planetaria and Member of the International Planetarium Society.
My passion for aviation and unique position as a young person involved in several facets of the local aviation scene will allow me to bring to the Aero Space Kinross Board the ground roots enthusiasm, energy and ideas of someone freshly through education and flight training, as well as the competencies and knowledge of a professional aviator. I look forward to leading allocated deliverables and positively contributing to the overall programme of the Aero Space Kinross project and would greatly appreciate your approval to join the board.
Katie graduated from the University of Dundee in 2025 with a BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences (with Plant Sciences) degree. At University Katie developed an interest in science communication and when the opportunity to undertake the topic as part of her degree arose she jumped at the chance. She has worked in the field of science communication for over 3 years and particularly enjoys running workshops, presenting science shows and engaging with families.
When not involved with science Katie enjoys teaching Skiing and Archery as well as volunteering as a Girlguiding Leader.
Dr. Ellie Ebrahimi is an engineering leader with over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and aerospace industries. She has delivered complex, multi-disciplinary projects ranging from advanced antenna systems for satellite constellations to in-orbit demonstrations of new technologies funded by the European and UK Space Agencies.
Ellie is passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. She has led and supported numerous outreach activities, including International Women in Engineering Day, school career events, and STEM placements, internships, and mentorship programmes. Through these initiatives, she brings real-world engineering experiences into classrooms and communities, making STEM more accessible and exciting for young people.
Ben is a qualified Physics teacher who has spent most of his career designing and delivering madcap Primary STEM lessons. He has taught in schools across England and Scotland and now enjoys bringing STEM to life in primary schools, charities and community groups across Fife, Tayside, and Perth and Kinross. His favourite experiments still involve firing rockets 100m into the air, or demonstrating the whoosh bottle demo!
Laura graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Science (Genetics) from the University of Essex in 2008 and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Dundee in 2012. During her doctoral studies, she developed a keen interest in public engagement and outreach, contributing to a range of projects in science centres and schools.
Following her PhD, Laura moved into scientific publishing, relocating to London to work at a scientific journal and subsequently holding a variety of roles across scientific publishing and online science communication. She later returned to hands-on STEM engagement as a STEM Outreach Coordinator at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), where she developed and delivered STEM activities in schools across Perth and Kinross. When she is not working, Laura can usually be found cooking, pottering in the garden or playing boardgames.
Karen has spent her career in local government in both England and Scotland. Her specialist experience is in Human Resources, and she has been involved in all areas of people management and training. She has been a personnel adviser to one of the national employers’ organisations in local government and worked for them on the revision of national recruitment and selection procedures. Following a career break to undertake a PhD, she is now dividing her time between working as a Senior Human Resources Officer for a Scotland wide Charity and as an independent researcher in sports history.
My name is Hazel Berry and I am the financial administrator for Aero Space Kinross.
My educational background includes an HND from Fife college and a BA in Social Science from Perth College/UHI. With 17 years of experience in the industry I have developed a strong set of skills along the way, however, I strive to continue learning and recently became Xero certified.
I have a passion for nature, the environment and the moon and stars. When I’m not working, you can find me having adventures in the wild with my husband, two daughters and my staffy, or tucked up at home with a good book!
Yvonne’s skills lie in PR and project management. After completing her MA in French and German at Aberdeen University and her PG Dip in Applied Languages for Business in her native Northern Ireland, her career began in London working in the international exhibition industry organising high-profile events overseas. Later she worked as the marketing and communications manager for the industry’s trade body.
She co-founded ‘The Word Association’ with her husband Mark 18 years ago and provides PR and marketing as well as event organisation support for a range of clients throughout Scotland and beyond. She lives in Milnathort with Mark, her two sons and noisy cocker-spaniel.
Stephen is principal partner and owner of Stephen G Donald MA(Hons) MBA FCA, a chartered accountancy practice based in Perth. Prior to this, he worked in London in roles in the charitable sector, local and central government, and the health sector.
Gordon is a project manager/consultant with extensive experience of demanding projects across a wide range of industries. Prior to retirement in 2015 he held senior operations and support management positions in the RAF (23 years) and as a contractor in the energy services sector (17 years). Gordon has a track record in delivering significant improvement to business performance with proven skills in project management, operations management, safety and quality management. He is self-motivated and able to communicate plainly at all levels, trouble-shoot and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions on time and to budget. His extensive management experience, combined with cultural awareness, has underpinned successes in domestic and overseas appointments.
Neil McDougall is a Chartered Surveyor who provides planning and development advice mainly in the commercial property arena. Previously responsible for the property development activities of BAAplc at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Airports he continues to provide specialist Airport and aviation related property advice including concept and masterplan input for the new Airport for Istanbul. Recent projects include the most northerly Premier Inn in the UK and the delivery of the he UK’s largest (5.3MW) Water Source Heat Pump powered district heat network where heat energy is extracted from the River Clyde include strategic advice to West Dunbartonshire Council on the regeneration of the former John Brown Shipyard at Clydebank and the related design, installation, and commercial operation of t. With a focus on brownfield regeneration and renewable energy projects, Neil is currently working with a large conference and exhibition campus in the West of Scotland on its journey to Net Zero.
Simon Byford is a retired civil engineer who worked for over 40 years for Sir Robert McAlpine, a major civil engineering and building contractor. Most of his career was spent on construction sites, among them General Accident HQ in Perth, Hotel Missoni, HBOS HQ on The Mound and Edinburgh International Conference Centre, all in Edinburgh. He also managed the construction of three schools in Fife, and two major office buildings for Standard Life, both in Edinburgh. He is a Fellow of The Institution of Civil Engineers and The Chartered Institute of Building. In 2007 he was given the Construction Manager of the Year Award for his work on the HBOS project.
He has been married for over 40 years and has lived virtually all that time in Kinnesswood and Scotlandwell. He has two married daughters and 4 grandchildren, all of whom live in Australia. He spends as much time as possible out there on baby-sitting duties.
Chris Horne is an airline pilot, flying Boeing 737s which he has done for the last 17 years. He has been involved in cargo, scheduled and charter operations. Chris is also a Line Training Captain, training a range of pilots to fly the 737 from new-low hours second officers to experienced captains. He is also involved in training senior first officers to become new captains. As well as flying and training duties Chris, is involved in line management in his role as Deputy Pilot Base Manager for the Jet2 Edinburgh base. Chris has enjoyed being a part of the Aero Space Kinross team for the last five years.
Jon West specialises in the creation and assurance of operations focused management systems. Trained as an RAF Fast-Jet test pilot and subsequently as a National Regulator branch-head, he has a keen insight into the synchronising elements of Operating Safety Cases.
Jon works with senior leaders in defence, government and international industry to build corporate confidence during procurement and complex operations. He is Director of Gauntlet Consulting Ltd, an Associate-based consultancy that provides end-to-end operations support delivered within the framework of an Operating Safety Case.
I joined the ATC in Penrith in 1969 and with them flew in gilders and Chipmunks and various other RAF aircraft…nothing really fast though. In 1972 I did a Flying Scholarship on Cessna 150s at Scone. Being somewhat of an idiot I didn’t join the UAS when at Glasgow Uni studying veterinary medicine….I’ve kicked myself ever since. On qualifying I initially went into practice next to James Herriot then back to Glasgow to do a PhD. In 1983 I moved to the ‘Dick Vet’ in Edinburgh, married Barbara and had family….Sarah and Michael.
Finally caught the flying bug again and started gliding at Portmoak, then onto power….Jodel D150, Ximango motorglider and now Eurofox. I have about 600 hours gliding/power. I really enjoy flying ‘the mountains’….especially Schiehallion and the Loch Tay area. Islands too and have been to pretty much them all apart from Shetland. Long distance flights are good fun too and, with Alisdair, I have ventured to the Isle of Wight and Pembrokeshire. Headcorn and Perranporth on the cards for this year.
Building G-OASK and G-OLOV was originally my idea, but not being very mechanical and only played a minor part in the actual builds. I’ll get more involved from here now that they are flying and am looking forward to playing a part in AEF flying and generally spreading the flying bug.
With 13 years’ experience in the Aerospace Manufacturing, Design & Assembly sector, Daniel started out as an apprentice in Roll-Royce plc before progressing through a number of engineering and operations leadership roles across multiple locations across the UK & beyond. Daniel is a STEM ambassador but also a Chartered Engineer (CEng IMechE), graduating from Strathclyde University with a Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology & Systems and also a First-Class Bachelor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems from Glasgow Caledonian University.
Daniel is currently a Senior Leader within Amazon, however his passion for STEM and developing the next generation of engineers & leaders remains strong, jumping at the chance to support ASK/ASSET.
Andrew graduated from Imperial College in 1987 and joined the Aerodynamics Department at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough working on projects for Airbus, Boeing and several Formula 1 teams. He was a QinetiQ Approved Technical Authority responsible for the aerodynamics clearance of flight test aircraft modified to accommodate trials or upgrade equipment. His first role in academia was as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor of Design at the University of Surrey and he is now Professor of Engineering at the University of the Highlands and Islands, holds a personal Chair as Professor of Experimental and Applied Aerodynamics, and is a Visiting Professor at two universities in China. He was one of the co-creators (with Highlands and Islands Airports) of the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment evaluating the use of low-carbon aircraft, and was recently Chief Engineer for Ampaire Ltd., responsible for obtaining the permission to fly for the flight testing of a hybrid/electric aeroplane. He is member of the RAeS ‘Aerodynamics’ Specialist Group, a member of two of the subgroups of the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council ‘Zero-Emissions Flight’ Delivery Group, and a member of the GARTEUR (Group for Aeronautical Research and Technology in Europe) Group of Responsables for ‘Flight Mechanics, Systems and Integration’.
Principal Teacher (Faculty of Science) Kinross HS
A thirty-four year career in education has taken me from Strathclyde to Perthshire & Kinross via Argyll & Bute. I have held the posts of Principal Teacher of Science in Tobermory High School then Kinross High School.
Between times I spent eleven years as the PKC Co-ordinator of Curriculum Support for ICT. In this, centrally based, role I supported staff and students in nursery, primary, additional support needs and secondary settings through the New Opportunities Fund training. I managed a team supporting the introduction of video conferencing between schools, local authorities and countries. In the final part of this role I supported the introduction of projectors and Smart Boards into schools at all stages.
My time at Kinross High School has included the roles of PT Physics, PT Faculty of Science and a period as acting Depute Head. In the last four years the Faculty of Science has worked with Mr. Stewart and ASSET on the Build a Plane project and the UK Rocketry Challenge. Our collaboration has produced significant beneficial results with numerous students participating in the Build a Plane project, visiting the British Airways Maintenance Group (BAMG) and enjoying visits to and flights in the finished aircraft (G-OASK).
Paul Jennings is a seasoned visitor attraction professional having led nine different venues over the last twenty-five years, including three Science Centres. Since 2011 Dr. Jennings has operated a successful management consultancy supporting strategic planning and change management in more than forty visitor attraction linked clients with operations all over the globe. Having now worked on five different Tay Cities projects he is well versed in the programme and has supported ASSET through the development of its Outline Business Case and Full Business Case. Dr. Jennings has Masters Degrees in Science, Business and a professional Doctorate in Business that led to the creation of a performance and accountability framework which the Scottish Government has channelled over £30m in funding through to the Science Centres in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Is an Architect based within the Sedgwick UK Commercial Surveying & Design team. Formerly part of the Kerr Baxter Associates team, Simon is a qualified Architect who has experience in retail, commercial, residential, care and industrial sectors and has provided design solutions for various public and private sector clients. Simon is responsible for leading clients through design challenges and advising on compliance with statutory regulation and controls. Simon is also responsible for project management and site delivery for clients. Simon is a principal designer and is an Architects Registration Board certified Architect, a member of the Royal Institution of British Architects and the Royal Incorporation.
Alisdair is a retired senior banker with some 40 years experience across a wide range of financial sectors including personal, commercial and corporate lending, leasing, venture capital and investment fund management. As Head of Clydesdale Bank Corporate Investment Services his team of 150+ staff across offices in Glasgow, London and Dublin provided securities services to some of the world’s most prestigious fund management houses. At RBS he created a new business – RBS Luxembourg SA – which provides independent fund management services to a wide range of investment fund managers headquartered all over the world. Alisdair was until recently chairman of the Kinross-shire Partnership, holds a Private Pilots Licence and is a volunteer representative of MAF which flies 130 light aircraft to reach vulnerable people in remote locations in 25 of the world’s poorest countries.
Eric Williamson is partner and Director of J & G Wilson, Solicitors & Estate Agents. Established in 1888, J&G Wilson have been providing legal and property services advice to the people of Kinross-shire for generations.
Eric is a trustee and Company Secretary of ASSET & ASK.
Catherine Heymans is Scotland’s 11th Astronomer Royal and the first female to hold this honorary title in its 200 year history.
As an Astrophysics Professor at the University of Edinburgh she is well known for her research using deep sky observations to map the invisible dark matter and mysterious dark energy in our Universe. She holds the Royal Astronomical Society’s William Herschel Medal, a Max-Planck Humboldt Research Award, and is a fellow of both the Royal Society of Edinburgh and Leopoldina, the National Academies of Scotland and Germany.
As well as being a regular contributor to BBC radio and television, Catherine has co-authored over 200 articles in scientific journals and written the popular science book “The Dark Universe”.
Born in Thurso, Dave studied aeronautical engineering at Glasgow University and learned to fly there with the University Air Squadron. After graduating, he joined the Royal Air Force where he flew Harrier jets in Germany. Dave completed his service in the RAF as Principal Fixed Wing Tutor at the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down before joining Virgin Atlantic and becoming a captain on the Boeing 747 and, later, the Airbus 340.
Dave became Virgin Galactic’s Chief Test Pilot in 2005, and Chief Pilot in 2011. He flew Spaceship Unity to space three times and led the Flight Operations team in an historic run of spaceflights prior to his retirement in 2024.
Although based in New Mexico, Dave is very proud of his Scottish roots and is regularly in the UK in the role of aerospace consultant and advisor. He is keen to support us fulfil our plans for the creation of an aerospace discovery centre in Kinross, which he describes as “an important and exciting project”.