About SEC
What we're about and who we are
Sanquhar Enterprise Company
In February 2019, Sanquhar Enterprise Company (SEC) achieved charitable status as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), a key milestone that strengthened its foundation and broadened its ability to serve the community.
This formal recognition fueled momentum, helping the organisation to evolve into a robust leader in local regeneration. Today, SEC stands as a catalyst for community development, delivering tangible improvements, from improved infrastructure to strategic heritage preservation.
Reflecting the community’s aspirations, the 2022–2026 Sanquhar & District Community Action Plan was launched by Sanquhar Community Council. Developed through broad consultation, this plan identifies and prioritises pressing issues like affordable housing, youth engagement, heritage conservation, tourism, and environmental quality, all themes SEC is actively addressing.
To drive these ambitions forward, SEC appointed a new Development Officer, a strategic role aimed at translating vision into reality by coordinating projects grounded in the Action Plan and boosting organisational capacity.
Download a copy of the Sanquar Community Action Plan 2022-2026
Dane Harkness
Board Member
Dane is a native of the neighbouring village of Kirkconnel with strong ties to Sanquhar. He is currently studying Architecture at the University of Strathclyde, where his particular interest lies in conservation and heritage .
Alongside his studies, Dane works part-time at the Crawick Multiverse. He is also an active committee member of the Kirkconnel Parish Heritage Society and Kirkconnel Gala, contributing his time and energy to preserving local heritage and supporting community events.
Chris McTeir
Board Member
Chris is a resident of Sanquhar and works as a Town Planner with Dumfries & Galloway Council. For nearly a decade, he has been a committed member of the Royal Burgh Troopers Club Committee, where he supports the equestrian traditions of the annual Riding of the Marches.
Alongside this, Chris serves on the committee of the Upper Nithsdale Community Minibus Project, reflecting his strong commitment to local initiatives that benefit residents and strengthen community life.
Brian Johnson
Board Member
Brian Johnson is a long-standing resident of Sanquhar, where he now oversees the day-to-day operations of the Crawick Multiverse, as Operations Manager.
Brian grew up in Sanquhar and lived in the town until the age of 22, when he moved to Nottingham to pursue a career in the energy sector. Over 18 years, he gained extensive experience in operations, management, and industry practice before deciding to return home to Sanquhar.
Lisa Black
Board Member
Lisa worked at Spar for 14 years, including four as manager, before moving to Crossroads Caring. She created the Town of Sanquhar Facebook page which now has over 4,500 followers and serves as a hub for local news and updates. Building on this success, Lisa went on to launch the Town of Sanquhar website, showcasing everything the town has to offer.
She is an active member of the Sanquhar Community Council and currently serves as Chair of the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar Heritage Society.
Community Development
Officer
Ronnie Bradford
A long-time resident of the Glenkens, Ronnie joins Sanquhar Enterprise Company as Community Development Officer, bringing a strong track record in project management and over 20 years’ experience in Dumfries & Galloway’s tourism sector.
Ronnie is eager to work closely with community groups, stakeholders, business owners, and residents, in partnership with Sanquhar Community Council, to help deliver the priorities set out in the Community Action Plan 2022–2026 and to shape the forthcoming Local Place Plan and Strategic Development Plan.
Contact Ronnie:
ronnie@sanquharenterprisecompany.co.uk
Phone: 07940 286179
Administration
Assistant
Lizzy Johnson
Lizzy is a professional photographer.
She also served for five years on the committee of Afton Water Leisure, the social enterprise which operated New Cumnock Community Outdoor Pool, where she led on communications and publicity. In that role, Lizzy managed social media and the website, produced press releases, and secured national media coverage, including Scottish press and STV during the Commonwealth Games Baton Relay.
She also gained valuable experience in funding applications, helping the organisation secure resources to sustain and grow its activities.
Contact Lizzy:
lizzy@sanquharenterprisecompany.co.uk
Phone: 07365 660897
SEC Board
Jim Dempster
Chair
Born in Kirkconnel and a Sanquhar resident for the past 55 years, Jim has dedicated much of his life to public service and the local community. He served as a Special Constable with Dumfries & Galloway Constabulary for 10 years, a Retained Firefighter with Dumfries & Galloway Fire and Rescue Service for 20 years, and ran a business on Sanquhar High Street for more than 30 years. For the past 25 years he has been an Elected Member of Dumfries & Galloway Council, where he is currently Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, Vice Chair of the Nithsdale Area Committee, and Chair of the Sanquhar Common Good Sub-Committee, alongside serving on several other key service committees within the Council.
Shona Haddow
Secretary
Shona has lived between Kelloholm and Sanquhar all her life and runs a local part-time business, The Local.
With an Honours degree in Construction Management, she built her career as an architectural technician, later moving into local authority roles managing infrastructure assets and working as an Economic Development Officer.
She is now the Strategic Economic Development Lead at Scottish Borders Council, a role she is deeply passionate about.
Jim Marshall
Treasurer
Jim Marshall is a retired professional engineer with extensive international experience in controls, metering, and renewable energy. Over the course of his career, he worked across a range of sectors and countries, developing a strong reputation for technical expertise and problem-solving.
Since retiring, Jim has devoted much of his time to community service. He is a member of Sanquhar Community Council, and Secretary of the Sanquhar & District Men’s Shed, where he helps to promote skills, wellbeing, and social connections. He also volunteers with Foodshare in Kelloholm, supporting local families and individuals in need.
Keith Wilson
Board Member
Keith is a retired civil engineer who brings a wealth of professional experience.
He is a Director of Happy Hooves Sanquhar CIC, where he guides the organisation’s work in providing equine-assisted activities and therapies that benefit people of all ages and abilities.
Keith also serves as Chairperson of Upper Nithsdale Riding for the Disabled, supporting opportunities for individuals with additional needs to enjoy the wellbeing, confidence, and social benefits of riding and working with horses.
SEC Team
The Sanquhar Enterprise Company office is open weekly on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am-5pm.
Ronnie Bradford, Community Development Officer, works remotely Monday to Wednesday from 10am-5pm and is in the SEC offices 10am-5pm on Thursday.
Lizzy Johnson, Administration Assistant, works at the SEC offices on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am- 5pm.
We are based at: 106 High Street, Sanquhar, DG4 6DZ