New development manager appointed by Community Development Trust

Melissa will manage Castlebank Horticultural Centre and co-ordinate Lanark’s Flowerfest and Winterfest, as well as supporting the Development Trust’s heritage and tourism aspirations.

Melissa is based locally and has a wide range of experience across the marketing, events and heritage industries after undertaking prominent roles at New Lanark World Heritage Site and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Melissa said: “I am delighted to have taken on the role of Development Manager with the Lanark Community Development Trust. I have lived in Lanark all my life, it is a fantastic opportunity for me to play a big part in making our town a better place to live, work, visit and enjoy.

“I am excited to be able to use my skills to help the Development Trust develop. One of my first projects will be relaunching the Development Trust’s website and building its online communication channels, such as its social media presence and e-newsletter campaigns.

“The Development Trust has a number of prominent projects in the pipeline, such as the opening of the new sawmill building at Castlebank Horticultural Centre later this summer, the Discover Lanark campaign co-ordinated by Lord Cornet Gary Winning, and this year’s Winterfest – for which plans are already well underway!”

The Development Trust is a charitable, non-profit organisation established in 2009 and has delivered a wide range of projects in the town, from walking leaflets to the ongoing restoration of Castlebank Park.

Sylvia Russell, Chairman of the Development Trust, added: “I am delighted to welcome Melissa to the Development Trust.

“This is an exciting time in Lanark’s proud history and I am looking forward to working closely with Melissa to help renovate Castlebank Park and promote our town.”