Stephen Sherriff
Chairperson
Stephen has been a member of the Board for many years and returned in 2023. He brings a wealth of experience across multiple business sectors, having previously served as Managing Director of a large firm and, for the past 20 years, as proprietor of his own business. Stephen strongly believes in the credit union ethos of people helping people and looks forward to supporting EKCU’s continued growth.
Archie Buchanan
Vice-Chairperson
Archie is a local councillor and has been a member of the credit union for over 40 years. With extensive knowledge of the local area, he strongly believes in the credit union ethos and the power of community support. Archie is also actively involved with other local charities and
non-profits, and is passionate about giving back.
Ian Craig
Treasurer
Update coming soon.
Carrie Blackwood
Secretary
Carrie joined EKCU as a junior member at the age of 3 and would attend the Credit Union with her mum who volunteered as a loan officer. Carrie joined the EKCU board because she wants to show the local community, particularly those in the 20-30s age bracket, the benefits of being a member of the Credit Union. Carrie is a project manager and has 10 years’ experience in managing major events and overseeing large projects in the medical sector. Outside work, Carrie is a singer having sung in venues such as OVO Hydro, SEC and the Usher Hall.
Dave Thomson
Director
Dave has been a member of East Kilbride Credit Union for over 30 years and a volunteer director for more than 15 years. Dave started helping at EKCU as a teller and also played a part in the Loan Review Board that considers some of the higher-level loan applications. Dave feels that after all this time, he is paying forward all the help other volunteers gave to him and the members over the years.
Pat Watters
Director
Pat is a Director and former councillor with decades of experience in local government and public service. He has contributed to major Scotland-wide initiatives, including co-chairing the Community Planning Partnership and serving on the Christie Commission, and is known for mentoring others entering public life. On the Board, Pat is keen to support new initiatives and help reduce arrears, reflecting his strong commitment to community-focused service.
Joe McKague
Director
Joe joined EK Credit Union in 2015 as he felt it was an excellent way to start saving regularly. After a few years he decided to join the Board of Directors in order to support the organisation as it began its recovery after the coronavirus pandemic. Attending the Board meetings, says Joe, is a great way to create policies that will help all the members. He believes that the credit union treats members as individuals and not just numbers.
Carol Hooper
Director
Update coming soon.
Craig Little
Director
Update coming soon.
Aimie Nicol
General Manager
Aimie is EKCU’s General Manager and has 20 years’ experience within the credit union, having progressed through multiple roles. She oversees day-to-day operations alongside the Operations Manager and works with the Board to deliver EKCU’s strategic objectives. Aimie also contributes to marketing activity to strengthen awareness and engagement, while ensuring members receive excellent service in line with EKCU’s people helping people ethos.
Louise Smith
Operations Manager
Louise joined EKCU in June 2018 from a retail management background and is now the Operations Manager. She supports the General Manager and oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring members receive a high standard of service. Louise brings extensive frontline experience and a strong understanding of member needs, and is proud to play a role in keeping EKCU’s community-focused, people helping people ethos at the heart of everything we do.
Linzi Lange
Member Services Admin
Linzi first joined EKCU in 2016 as a Teller in the front office, gaining experience across all areas of member service. She later took on a temporary role as Business Services Officer, working in the back office and developing skills in banking processes, online services and social media. Linzi now supports EKCU as a Member Services Administrator, covering a wide range of duties. After a short break in 2022, she returned in May 2023, having missed the role, the members and the team.
Karen Thomson
Member Services Admin
Karen joined EKCU in 2019 and works on the front reception desk, where she is often the first point of contact for members visiting the office. With a background in childcare and retail, she enjoys the customer interaction side of the role and is committed to providing a high level of service. Karen supports members with a wide range of requests, helping to ensure every visit is welcoming, efficient and positive.
Linda Brown
Payment Support Officer
Linda joined EKCU in August 2020 after many years working in a local law firm. She is a fully qualified Civil Court Paralegal and previously supported several credit unions in her legal career, giving her a strong understanding of the sector. Linda’s primary focus at EKCU is debt recovery and court work, and she is also expanding her role through additional administration training. She has since become a member herself and values the important role EKCU plays in supporting its community.
Hayley Nicholson
Payment Support Officer
Hayley joined EKCU in September 2023 as a Payment Support Officer, bringing experience from a legal and credit control background. She enjoys getting to know members, particularly through speaking with them by phone, and is often a first point of contact for anyone experiencing payment difficulties. Hayley is committed to offering friendly, practical support and takes pride in helping members while supporting the important role EKCU plays in the local community.
James McLaughlin
Volunteer
James is a valued volunteer at EKCU. Outside the credit union, he is a snooker referee for Scottish and European events, and enjoys watching football and playing snooker in his spare time. James is married with three grown-up children and eight grandchildren.
Gary McVicar
Volunteer
Gary is a volunteer at EKCU. He recently graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with an Honours degree in Business (2:1) and currently works in retail. Outside of work and volunteering, Gary enjoys musical theatre, visiting the theatre, reading, and spending time with his family.
Andy Wilson
Supervisory
Andy has been involved with EKCU for over 15 years. He began his time at the credit union on the front desk before moving into internal audit (supervisory), where he supports oversight and good governance. With a background in bookkeeping and accounts, Andy brings strong attention to detail and a clear understanding of financial processes. Outside of the credit union, he enjoys cycling and skiing.
Aileen Loudon
Supervisory
Aileen is a senior leader with over 40 years’ experience in UK banking and is a fully qualified member of the Chartered Banker Institute. She spent 39 years with the Royal Bank of Scotland and currently works with Virgin Money, leading on conduct risk reporting. Over the past 20 years, Aileen has specialised in leading a range of risk management functions, bringing strong expertise and governance experience to EKCU. Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, keeping active and travelling.