Ms Carma Elliot
Chair to the Board of Governors
George Heriot was a Scottish Goldsmith and jeweller to King James VI of Scotland and is chiefly remembered today as the philanthropist who, upon his death, bequeathed his estate to found George Heriot’s Trust which in turn founded George Heriot’s School. Initially established to educate the ‘fatherless bairns of Edinburgh’, today the school continues his philanthropic legacy of educating young people who have lost a parent through its Foundation, and by widening access through the provision of Bursaries to children who could not otherwise afford a Heriot’s education.
The operation and running of the school is overseen by the Board of Governors of George Heriot’s Trust, a Scottish Charity operating under the terms of the George Heriot’s Trust Scheme 2017.
Ms Carma Elliot has been Chair of the Board of Governors since July 2026. Professor Mark Strachen was Vice Chair until December 2024 and the Board subsequently voted to elect two Co-Vice Chairs, Mrs Louise Gibson and Mr Alasdair Humphery.
Chair to the Board of Governors
Chair to the Board of Governors
Governor since 2026
After a 35-year career working overseas as part of the Foreign Office and the British Council, Carma spent five years in international education as College President of a large international school in Singapore and on the International Board of the United World Colleges. Having retired to her native Edinburgh in 2025, she now holds a portfolio of roles across the private, public, and charity sectors.
Co-Vice Chair, Convener of Estates Sub-Committee
Co-Vice Chair, Convener of Estates Sub-Committee
Governor since 2023
Alasdair is a Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years of senior industry experience of agency, development & investment, and is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He was previously International Director of JLL Incorporated and a Director of JLL UK Limited. Alasdair has served on the Policy Board of the Scottish Property Federation and was its Chairman in 2013/2014. He was recently the inaugural recipient of a Lifetime Membership Award for services to the property industry via the SPF. Alasdair was until recently a long-time member of the Investment Property Forum and is currently a Director of Caledonian Packaging (Holdings) Ltd.
Co-Vice Chair, Convener People Committee
Co-Vice Chair, Convener People Committee
Governor since 2023
Louise is a Partner at Executive Search firm New Town Hanover which she co-founded in 2015. She works with many of Scotland’s largest and fastest growing businesses to develop high performing leadership teams. Louise began her career in strategy consulting with PwC, before holding roles in private equity and start-ups.
Convener of the Charity, Philanthropy and Heritage Committee
Convener of the Charity, Philanthropy and Heritage Committee
Governor since 2025
Paul has over 30 years’ experience in commercial growth strategy, in both corporate and voluntary roles. He has held a range of non-executive director and board positions, leading fundraising, and governance oversight. Paul attended Kings College in New Zealand, where he continues to be involved in academic philanthropy.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2026
Ashley is a Partner with Burness Paull LLP, where she leads the specialist Dispute Resolution team. She has previously advised educational institutions and regularly engages with boards on risk and strategic matters. She is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Insurance Committee.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2026
James is the Founder of Longcroft Capital, a private family investment company focused on investing in and supporting innovative businesses. He previously founded Choose Packaging and has extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investment and business growth. James is passionate about supporting innovation and helping young people develop the confidence and skills to achieve their potential.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2026
Shujaat is a Chartered Accountant and Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and has over 20 years of experience leading audit and assurance services to clients across the financial services sector. He is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2026
Anna is an international education specialist with over 40 years’ experience in school leadership, educational psychology, inspection and global education reform. She is a former Senior Education Specialist with the World Bank and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, and has advised governments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa on curriculum, assessment and school improvement. She is committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for all young people.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2023
Bryan is a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years’ experience and is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. His career has covered Property Investment and Development throughout the UK across Commercial and Residential sectors. Bryan is a keen sports supporter and currently coaches youth rugby.
Governor
Governor
Governor since 2023
Paolo is a qualified Chartered Accountant and former Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) for the real estate division at abrdn plc. As COO Paolo was a member of the senior leadership team responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction whilst also having responsibility for a multi-disciplinary team of finance, tax, legal, ESG and other professionals. Paolo also sits on the Board of Edinburgh Napier University (“ENU”) and is Chair of the ENU Finance & Property Committee.