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About us

Background to our charity

 

In 1983, founders of the Sportsman’s Charity; David MacLean and John Frame wished to provide the same opportunities for others that they had enjoyed as sportsmen during in their careers. Since inception, their vision has been realised and the charity has distributed over £3m.

Sports Charity Scotland became the new name for our charity in September 2022. The name change was driven by a desire to make it abundantly clear to the outside world that we are a charity founded on the principles of Inclusivity, Equality and Transparency.

We’re proud to have a hard-won reputation for running first-class events and distributing funds to a wide range of primarily Scottish charities who operate within sectors representing children, young people, and sport. We are particularly interested in helping those who are disadvantaged or have disabilities.

Each year, we identify two partner organisations which will receive a significant proportion of the funds raised our The Sports Charity Dinners and other events. As well as supporting some of the larger established charities, we support smaller organisations where modest donations can make all the difference.

There are many ways you can support us through partnership or making donations. Please go to our Supporters page or contact Lizzie on info@sportscharityscotland.com

  

Board

Lizzie Lundy portrait

Lizzie Lundy

Chair
David Reid portrait

David Reid

Deputy Chair
Bobby Hamilton

Bobby Hamilton

Sean

Sean Lieder

James

James Flett

Richie

Richie Umpleby

Aimee

Aimée Barnett

Tom Bushell

Tom Bushell

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Lizzie Lundy

Chair

Lizzie is an accomplished HR professional at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), based at the iconic Royal Observatory in Edinburgh. With a strong passion for health and wellbeing—especially mental health—she brings compassion, insight, and leadership to her role.

Outside of her HR career, Lizzie is co-owner of Vino Wines, a local business that has proudly supported and sponsored Sports Charity Scotland’s annual dinner for several years. In 2025, she made history by becoming the charity’s first female Chair—a milestone that reflects her deep commitment to inclusion, community, and progress.

Lizzie is a lifelong advocate for sport and active living, with personal interests in rugby and running. She also has a deep appreciation for the arts, whether exploring galleries, supporting local artists, or enjoying music and film. When not working or volunteering, she treasures time spent with her family.
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David Reid

Deputy Chair

David is a Strategic Brand Positioning & Marketing specialist who runs Edinburgh-based consultancy Because Brands Matter. With multi-sector clients both nationally and internationally, David is the only person to have won Agency Leader of the Year, Agency Creative Director of the Year and Marketing Client of the Year.

Sporting interests include going to the gym and watching Heart of Midlothian FC. Alongside sport, he enjoys live music, art galleries, eating out and travelling to far flung places.
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Bobby Hamilton

Now living in London, Bobby is our most remote Director. Bobby works as a Commerical Director for a technology company, having previously worked at Coutts and Adam & Company after graduating from the University of Aberdeen and is a former pupil of George Watson’s College.

Sporting interests include watching Scotland beat England at Twickenham, Football, Skiing and, despite the distance, can still be found looking for his golf ball in the gorse bushes of Mortonhall Golf Club on occasion.
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Sean Lieder

Having qualified as a solicitor in 2023, Sean works for Aberdeen Group plc as Legal Counsel in the Investments Legal team. He studied at the University of Aberdeen and Glasgow University, and is now based in Edinburgh. 

Sean is a keen sports player and has represented regional teams in both football and shinty. In his free time, Sean enjoys travelling, cooking and (struggling) around a golf course.
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James Flett

James is an Investment Manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, working primarily with a range of charities across Scotland. James has a passion for the third sector having worked for TEENS+ throughout his time at University, supporting young adults with complex communication needs. Away from work, James enjoys spending time with family and is a keen sprinter having competed for Edinburgh AC and Orkney. Any time away from the track is usually spent golfing or surfing on the Scottish East Coast.
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Richie Umpleby

Richard is an Investment Manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin where he helps individuals, families, trusts and charities build and preserve their wealth. He brings to the Board financial expertise in a wide range of areas and has a passion for helping others meet their financial goals. Sporting interests include hill running, basketball, snowsports and, increasingly, football and rugby (which his two young boys enjoy playing in ever-greater quantity).
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Aimée Barnett

Aimée recently qualified as a Corporate Solicitor at Turcan Connell after completing her two-year traineeship with the firm.  She studied at the University of Edinburgh to achieve her undergraduate degree and postgraduate diploma and is based in Turcan Connell’s Edinburgh office. 

Aimée is a keen runner and football fan and in her free time enjoys travelling and spending time with family and friends.
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Tom Bushell

Tom has presented across golf, tennis, football, squash, and endurance sport, working with organisations including the DP World Tour, IMG, CNN, HSBC, BMW, ATP/WTA, LTA, Emirates Airline, Newcastle United, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. He takes great pride in helping shape atmospheres, whilst connecting athletes with audiences, and giving fans moments they won’t forget.

Alongside his presenting work, he also runs Sports Travel Tom, a sports travel and storytelling platform that helps fans experience sport and adventure around the world.

Ambassadors

Sports Charity Scotland is currently looking for ambassadors from the world of sport to help raise the profile of our charity and the fundraising activities we are proud to undertake.

As is the case with Directors, Ambassador roles are unpaid and details of the full role and its responsibilities can be discussed in person should you wish to apply.

In the first instance please contact info@sportscharityscotland.com

Supporting us

We are dependent on and indebted to the support of many individuals and organisations. You can support Sports Charity Scotland by:

  • Partnering us in a joint fund-raising project
  • Sourcing a unique experience or item which can be added to our high-quality auctions or prize draws
  • Buying tickets for one or more of our events
  • Making a cash donation to support our fixed costs and so releasing an equivalent amount for distribution in your name

Become a Partner Charity

We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for charities wishing to become a Partner Charity of Sports Charity Scotland for 2026/27.

As an umbrella charity, we are committed to supporting charities that share our values and are dedicated to making a positive difference through the conduit of sport. We aim to work collaboratively with charities that align with our mission and can benefit from the support, resources, and opportunities available through our network.

Charities interested in applying are invited to review the accompanying Supporting Document, which provides further details about our charity, our flagship event, which is our Annual Dinner, this year hosted at Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, and the benefits of partnership. Applicants should then complete and submit the Partner Charity Application Form together with any supporting information requested.

The following documents are available:

SCS Supporting Document
Providing further information about the Annual Dinner and how the Partner Charity can showcase their invaluable work.

SCS Partner Charity Application Form 2027
To be completed by charities wishing to apply for Partner Charity status.

We encourage all interested charities to carefully review the documents and their responses before submitting their application. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 11th September 2026.

For any questions regarding the application process, please contact info@sportscharityscotland.com.

We look forward to hearing from charities that share our commitment to creating positive impact and promoting inclusivity through sport and meaningful partnerships.

Children playing football
Children playing football