Here are some of the key people behind the partnership and some information about them too. The HGFP relies on many more people who are involved in numerous projects and groups.
Charlotte Steel
Chief Executive
I have been active in the UK agroecology movement since 2012. I’m motivated by helping to build more resilient, regenerative and fairer communities, and by challenging the industrial food system from the grassroots. My career has spanned hands-on leadership roles at community farms in London and Edinburgh, strategic grant management for an agroecology fund, and senior operations, HR and governance responsibilities at the Landworkers’ Alliance.
Ella Cardinali
Project Coordinator (Regional Food Group Lead)
I have a background in hospitality and communications, and have spent my career bringing people together around good food. I have a passion for connecting producers, communities and chefs to create thriving local food systems. I’m motivated by getting great local food onto more menus. I’m particularly interested in how we can deepen our connection to food – whether that’s uncovering an ingredient’s history, celebrating the people behind it, or exploring the relationship between food, culture and place.
Ele Forster
Project Support Officer
I love food as a connector and vehicle for positive environmental and cultural change. I’m passionate about a Highlands where everyone enjoys tasty, nourishing food produced to benefit communities and our land.
Alongside the Highland Good Food Partnership, I help my son create mayhem on our smallholding near Cannich while building an off-grid strawbale home.
Brenna Anderson
Project Support Officer
I am thrilled to be a part of the team, heading up our Regional Food Group and Community Composting work. I have previously been the Highland Community Waste Partnership (HCWP) Project Officer until March 2025. My focus is on tackling food waste, through community-led composting initiatives and close cooperation with the vibrant hospitality sector throughout the Highlands.
Rachel Butterworth
Project Support Officer
I rejoined the HGFP in 2024 after maternity leave. Previously, I was a Project Officer for MOO Food and the Highland Good Food Conversation, serving as the technical lead for the 2021 Conference. I edit and write music for the HGFP podcast, manage social media, and produce the monthly newsletter. My background spans conservation, politics, education, growing, community projects, and teaching Suzuki violin.
Martin Sherring
Co-Founder
I’m passionate about driving change to ensure a better future for generations and the entire biosphere. My work spans areas where innovation and rethinking are essential. Food highlights many challenges we face today, impacting health, workers’ well-being, and the environment. Addressing these issues through food is a powerful way to create change.
Katie Andrews
Chair
I’m Katie, a proud Highlander from Inverness. With a background in geography, my journey began with community projects on climate resilience. Now, I focus on biodiversity work in the Highlands. For me, good food is about connections, not just taste. Believing a sustainable food system is key to community resilience, I joined the Highland Good Food Partnership. A Trustee since 2021, I transitioned from Secretary to Chair, a role I’m really excited about.
Adam Bell
Trustee
Part marketer, part foodie, I spend my time away advertising, celebrating the great and the good of local, independent food and drink producers. Supporting my partner Kelly with our blog: “Haim & Awa”, we focus on small businesses, showcasing hidden gems and highlighting sustainable practices. An import to the area, originally from Aberdeenshire and by way of London, Melbourne, and Leeds, I’m passionate about permaculture and regenerative farming, and I’m now excited to contribute to the Partnership’s aims.
Sarah Bowyer
Trustee
I have promoted food for wellbeing for over 30 years. Educated in Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Policy, and Sustainability, I’ve had a varied career, mainly in the NHS, inspiring healthier individuals, communities, and a healthier planet. Since 2008, I’ve lived in the Highlands, delivering community food projects and supporting sustainable rural healthcare. I currently hold two NHS Highland roles: Dietitian managing a food system project at New Craigs Hospital and Energy, Environment and Sustainability Officer, addressing climate change.
Lucinda Jeffery
Trustee
I am an experienced marketing consultant specialising in the third sector and have fundraised for charities, including the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. In 2018/19, I completed an inspiring MSc in Gastronomy at Queen Margaret University, with my dissertation exploring how non-profit cooking interventions improve psychological wellbeing in Scotland. Having recently moved from Edinburgh, I’m excited to explore the food landscapes, systems, and cultures of the Highlands. www.roseberrymarketing.co.uk
Moya Macdonald
Trustee
Moya is an environmental project manager, working in farming and river restoration. She is most passionate about supporting farmers to try practices that are win-win-win for carbon, nature and their farm businesses. Her background is in scientific research, focussing on the impacts of climate change on water quality and soils. Moya’s interest in land management has come together with her love of good food, to form a passion for all things local food systems. Moya became a trustee for the Highland Good Food Partnership in late 2024 and was appointed Secretary shortly after.
Helen O’Keefe
Trustee
I am a crofter and café owner in Assynt, Sutherland. Originally an engineer from Australia, I moved to Sutherland in 2015. As well as running the Elphin Tearooms, I run Middleton Croft, managing a flock of Shetland Sheep, large polytunnel, small vegetable garden and a flock of hens. All produce from the croft, including meat, eggs, fruit, veg, herbs and wool, is sold directly to customers. I started a food hub, The Green Bowl, in 2020, helping others to sell their produce, and making local food available to more people. I have been an active contributor to the HGFP since 2021.
Caroline Lamont
Trustee
With a Master’s in Gastronomy from Queen Margaret University, I have worked as a chef and a home economics teacher. Having grown up in a family-run hotel business, I also understand the challenges faced by local food businesses and the hospitality sector. And my experience in procurement also deepens my understanding of food supply chains and sustainable purchasing. My background blends food production, education, and procurement, offering a well-rounded perspective to the Highland Good Food Partnership.
Finlay Keillor
Trustee
I am extremely passionate about sustainable food production and community growing. With my experience in market gardening, agroecological farming, and the maritime industry, I bring a diverse skill set to Highland Good Food Partnership.
I have been actively involved in community growing projects, including work with Fèis Rois and the Dandelion Project, alongside former HGFP Trustee Col Gordon.
I now run Seeds of Scotland with my partner Hayley. Seeds of Scotland is an organic-certified seed business that has been thriving for four years. My expertise in sustainable growing, seed sovereignty, and grassroots food initiatives will add practical, hands-on knowledge to the Board.
