
Dòchas: Hope
Our mission is simple yet impactful: to nurture and empower our community by managing and distributing funds for meaningful projects that bring people together and create lasting benefit.
Dòchas was established as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2022, following a decision by The Applecross Forum to establish an incorporated body to hold, manage and distribute community funds.
THE BOARD

DAVID MACKIE
David is a retired Sheriff with an Applecross connection going back many years. He and his wife, also a retired Sheriff, have recently built a new home there. Since retirement David has become involved in voluntary work related to criminal justice, drug and alcohol addiction and the Children’s Hearings System.

TERY MCCOWAN
Tery is a passionate entrepreneur and the proud owner of Clement Design, a thriving Homewares & Interior Design business. With her success, she’s now excited to open her own shop. In addition to her design ventures, Tery also manages holiday property lets in Applecross. She is committed to her community and lives with her husband and two children.

FIONA MACKENZIE
Fiona lives on her family croft in Toscaig. She is Chairperson of Applecross Historical Society. Before working for herself, she had a lengthy NHS career, 17 years of which were as a Chief Executive. She is an experienced Non Executive and held an Honorary Professorship at Stirling University for over 10 years. She enjoys outdoor activities with her dog Rubaidh and her sheep.

JON GLOVER
With over 20 years of active involvement in the village, Jon has contributed time and expertise to local council and a range of voluntary boards, playing a vital role in the community's future. His restaurant The Applecross Walled Garden is a significant local employer. Jon’s commitment to the area reflects his passion for creating a thriving community.

GREGOR MACKENZIE
Gregor gained a degree in law at University of Aberdeen, where he then worked there at EY for a year, before moving to Applecross. He spent two years as the Local Development Officer with the Applecross Community Company, and is actively involved in several community groups. He now works remotely for an NGO, as well as running a B&B with his partner.

SUE GROOCOCK
After a long and successful career in IT Project Management with IBM, Sue moved permanently to Applecross with her husband and Son in 2006.
They built a house and established Spindrift Bed and Breakfast in Applecross.
Sue developed a jewellery business and opened The Coalshed Gallery in 2011 at the foot of the Bealach na Ba showcasing locally made art and gifts.

Anne McRae
Anne represents Applecross Community Council, which she chairs. Her background in education spans three decades , teaching in Lochcarron, Ullapool and as Headteacher of Torridon Primary School before joining the youth work sector. Anne is a Board member of Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere and as a member of Applecross Community Hall Committee, she helps in the running of community events whilst also welcoming the chance to spend more time on the old family home and croft in Camusteel.
