New job for life coach

Oct 29 2008 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

SCOTTISH Churches House in Dunblane has a new director, Carol Stobie.

The trustees of ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland) and the management group of Scottish Churches House made the announcement this week.

Currently the cultural events officer at the National Library of Scotland, Carol has had a 20 year career in community education, including community work and adult education in Edinburgh, Dundee and Stirling.

She holds a degree in Scottish studies and psychology and has lectured on many aspects of Scottish tradition and culture.

An associate of the Association for Coaching in Scotland, she has devised and delivered courses in life coaching.

Carol is a member of the Abbey Church, North Berwick (Church of Scotland), and is an associate of the ecumenical Iona Community, reflecting her strong commitment to the ecumenical cause.

She is 46 and married to bookseller Neil McIlwraith. They live in North Berwick, but will be moving with their young son Finlay to Dunblane, where Carol will take up the director’s post in January 2009.

Scottish Churches House is an ecumenical residential centre with conference and meeting facilities. It provides a welcoming environment for a programme that encourages people in exploration of moral, sociological and theological issues significant to modern day Scotland.

It offers space for individual and group retreats, for creative arts and for times of healing and relaxation. A wide range of faith and civic groups also use the accommodation for their own programmes.

Carol said: “I’m excited and honoured to take up this post.

“SCH is unique and has so much to offer, both to present and potential users. I hope to reach out to new networks and welcome all kinds of users through a stimulating, accessible programme and warm hospitality.”

Danus Skene, convenor of the Scottish Churches House management group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Carol’s commitment to lead the development of Scottish Churches House.

“She will bring great insight and energy to the task of providing a ministry of hospitality at the House, with its long history of providing a safe place for diverse groups of people.

“Her appointment will ensure the provision of a challenging programme of activities at the House is developed.”