We are proud to be supported by a small group of patrons who bring experience, insight, and advocacy to the Muirneag Na Mara project.
Our patrons play an important role in guiding the charity’s development, helping shape our long-term vision, and connecting us with the networks needed to bring Muirneag to life.
Their support has already been instrumental in helping us establish strong foundations for the project, and we look forward to working closely with them as we move towards our fundraising goals.
Chris Smith was born and raised in Yorkshire and enjoyed a long and highly rewarding career in the Royal Navy. During his later service, he was based primarily in Faslane and Rosyth, culminating in his role as Regional Commander for Scotland and Northern Ireland, a position he held for nine years before retiring in 2021.
Since leaving the Navy, Chris has remained actively involved in maritime and educational work. He holds a part-time role at the City of Glasgow College, is Chair of the RNLI’s Scottish Council, and serves as a Trustee of Rothiemurchus Lodge in the Cairngorm National Park.
A lifelong sailor and water sports enthusiast, Chris is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to experience the same sense of adventure and connection to the sea that shaped his own life.
Sir Andrew Cubie was born in Yorkshire to Scottish parents shortly after the Second World War and spent his early years overlooking Loch Leven, where his father served as Medical Superintendent of a tuberculosis sanatorium. His upbringing instilled a lifelong appreciation for both the outdoors and community service.
He studied law at the University of Edinburgh and went on to become Senior Partner of what was then the largest law firm in Scotland, specialising in corporate law.
Alongside his legal career, he played a significant role in public life, serving as Chairman of the CBI Scotland and contributing to national policy. He chaired the Cubie Committee, whose 1999 recommendations led to the abolition of tuition fees in Scotland. In recognition of his public service, he was knighted in 2008. Andrew has also maintained a deep and enduring connection to the sea.
From sailing dinghies in the Kyles of Bute as a child to racing keelboats and cruising the west coast of Scotland with his family, maritime life has been a constant. He has been involved with the RNLI for over 60 years, including serving as Chairman in Scotland and Deputy Chairman of the organisation. He also served as Chairman of the Northern Lighthouse Board.
His extensive experience across public service, charity, and maritime life brings valuable perspective to the Muirneag Na Mara project.
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