EGCP Staff

Ian Hay

Age; 33

Occupation; Project Manager, East Grampian Coastal Partnership

Main Duties; To manage the East Grampian Coastal Partnership, increase awareness of coastal issues and seek solutions, aiding the delivery of Integrated Coastal Zone Management and boldly going where no………sorry I seem to be getting a bit carried away.

A Typical Day; There is no such thing, although if there were it would involve at least one meeting.

Employment History; Since leaving University I have managed a large landfill site, volunteered for SEPA and been Aberdeen’s Mr. Clean and Green. I took my present position in June 2005.

Connection to the Sea; Although my father was born in Shetland, I was brought up much further South near Hull. In that area the coast equalled huge areas of mud. This changed when I moved to Eastern Scotland as there are few more amazing places in Britain. Where else can you go to the busy harbour of a major city to watch the dolphins and actually be almost surprised if you do not see them!

My grandfather was in the Merchant Navy and my brother is an auxiliary coastguard.

Interests; Walking, wildlife watching and fishing. I have held an exhibition of landscape photography. 

Favourite Place on the East Grampian Coast; The very Northern end of St Cyrus Bay. Most people stop before they reach the rock pools. Wonderful views, a stunning waterfall and lots of wildlife.

Fowlsheugh, Aberdeen Harbour and the Ythan Estuary are close behind.

Describe the Coast in 2026; A thriving environment for both people and wildlife. I think that the local economy will need to diversify and the types of wildlife will alter due to climate change, but it will still be somewhere special.

Emily Hastings                                                                                                                                                 

Age; 25

Occupation; Project Officer, East Grampian Coastal Partnership

Main Duties; I cover the administrative side of the partnership as well as project work

A Typical Day; Like Ian, there is no such thing

Employment History; The past four years have been spent at the University of Aberdeen, studying Marine and Coastal Resource Management. Meanwhile, I have volunteered for Scottish Natural Heritage working on various coastal projects such as oil spill contingency planning and last summer I worked at EGCP on a placement focused on the Community Grant Scheme.

Connection to the Sea; After being born South of the border, no where near the sea, I eventually found myself much further North on the West coast near Gairloch. With my house 10 meters from the sea it was difficult not to become interested.

Interests; Snorkelling both abroad and locally. The water is much colder here and a wetsuit is advisable but definitely worth it- we have so much diversity and life in Scottish waters which can be enjoyed without the training and costs involved with scuba diving. I also enjoy mountain biking, sailing and walking.

Favourite Place on the East Grampian Coast; Rattray Head, either on sunny days or very stormy ones with the waves smashing up around the lighthouse.

Describe the Coast in 2026; A place of balance, with everyone and everything coexisting within the same environment and management based on a long term view.