Award-winning charity Sport Aberdeen bolsters its team with the recent appointment of Chief Instructor at Adventure Speyside, Tom Oxtoby.

Having a keen interest in outdoor pursuits from a young age, Tom obtained a BA (Hons) Outdoor Education in the Community degree from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow in his early career.

Now with more than 30 years’ industry-relevant experience, Tom has worked at destinations including Blairvadach Outdoor Education Centre and centres based in Loch Lomond.

To add to his endeavours, he spent eight years working abroad at a summer camp in New Hampshire as Programme Director, showing 8 to 15-year olds the ropes with outdoor activities such as swimming and canoeing.

There is no doubt that Tom brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role, based at Sport Aberdeen’s Adventure Speyside venue on a fulltime basis. 

He has ambitious plans for the outdoor activity centre – which is situated in the heart of the Cairngorms and reopened in April this year. It offers activities including gorge walking, mountain biking, abseiling and rock climbing, to name a few.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom said: “I am really excited to embark on this new chapter of my career.

“I have a hunger for adventure and a passion for the outdoors, and I love sharing the experience with others so they can reap the benefits.

“Strathspey is a beautiful area of Scotland – it is my aim to attract new people to try new adventurous activities and enjoy all that is on offer.

“Whether it’s a corporate team building day out, a long weekend excursion for a group of adults or a school residential trip, Adventure Speyside has an array of bespoke packages to meet specific needs.”

Sport Aberdeen’s intake for its next 13-week course to become an outdoor activity instructor is also fast approaching, taking place from Monday 27 June to Friday 16 September. Accommodation is provided and participants will receive training towards seven National Governing Body qualifications. Further information and expressions of interest should be sent to adventureaberdeen@sportaberdeen.co.uk