Current Team
Chris and Debbie Williams
Resident on-site directors. Members of Fort William Baptist Church.
Chris Williams - Centre Director - LLB; ACA; RYA Powerboat Instructor.
Married in 1986, Chris and Debbie moved to Glencoe to take over the running of the Centre in 1988. That Chris is a keen sailor and skier is very much thanks to Debbie's encouragement. Chris has a business background and much of his role is thus behind the scenes, whilst Debbie takes the lead in organising the team and the activities.
Debbie Williams - Director with responsibility for outdoor activity provision – BSc; APIOL/POL; RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor; RYA Yacht Master Instructor with commercial endorsement; L&D11-IV; BC level 2 Coach and Touring leader; SNSC Alpine Ski Leader; IOL APIOL/POL & RPIOL Coach.
Debbie's personal passion in outdoor activities is for skiing and sailing. She is an RYA Yacht Master Instructor, Senior & Advanced Dinghy Instructor and Principal of the Centre’s RYA Training Centre.
Debbie is committed to making Outdoor Education Modern Apprenticeships (MA) available to young people looking for a route into the outdoor industry. Debbie is a member of the Scottish Adventure Activity Forum (SAAF) and a member of the Institute of Outdoor Learning (IOL).
Our Team
Our team is hardworking and dedicated to making every guest's experience as positive and enjoyable as possible. All have a passion for the outdoors and for sharing their love of the wide range of activities we offer with visiting groups. As a longstanding Investor in People we place great value on ensuring that we provide opportunities for development for all who work with us, whatever the role. "Hard work but fun and rewarding" sums up the experience.
Staff team quotes on how the opportunity to volunteer for Glencoe Outdoor Centre has made a difference to them.
'It's so sad to leave again after spending such a wonderful time with all of you. Thank you for the delicious meals, for being able to go on so many activities, for the morning prayers and the games nights and of course for taking me on the hike up Ben Nevis. Thank you for all the fun and laughter everyday! You have recharged my spiritual batteries, being surrounded by my Christian family and praying together was such a blessing and encouragement for me!'
Julia, volunteer September 2024.
'The Glencoe Outdoor Centre has not only given me the opportunity to start my career in the outdoor industry through the SVQ programme and gaining NGBs but it has also allowed me to grow in my communication skills when I am interacting with groups as well as allowing me to learn leadership skills. It’s a great organisation which benefits the staff and clients alike'. Josh, team member from 2017 to 2019.
'The year I spent at The Glencoe Outdoor Centre was an amazing, intense, educational, formational year of my life that I will never forget. I gained valuable work experience, I learned new outdoor skills, and I grew in my faith. I will forever be grateful for the experiences I had that year and the people I met at the centre, people who have become life long friends'.
Thyra Vankeeken December 2016 - Thyra was part of the Glencoe team 2003/04.
