About Us
We are a non-profit making charitable business, set up in 2004 to address the lack of childcare in our community. In April 2005 we opened up in our local village hall providing high quality care for young children.
We soon realised the need to expand into larger more permanent premises. 15 years later our efforts through fundraising both locally and with funding partners have culminated in our dream, The Fyne Den. We moved our childcare into our new purpose built facility, conveniently located at the head of Loch Fyne, just off the A83, in January 2020.
With the addition of our unique wood and sand indoor Adventure Zone open 7 days a week, we aim to provide a sustainable and innovative service and an amazing, fun attraction for the families in our communities and visitors alike, all happening at The Fyne Den.
Our Mission
Our mission is to be a happy, caring, fun and visionary hub for families, staff, customers and children to come to and enjoy.
We want to be a positive example of what quality care and learning for children and practitioners can be in a sustainable and community based setting.
We want to provide a venue that unleashes imagination and unshackles curiosity and creativity for our cared for children and visitors alike.
We want to help our next generation to develop and grow and discover in the most innovative, inspiring and natural environment we can provide.
Our Story
Soon after the turn of the millennium a group of local parents working in the area started on a project to create a childcare facility so that young children could stay within their local communities and not have to travel over 30 miles each day.
Supported by local business, Loch Fyne Oysters and the local community, the project progressed and in April 2005 Cairndow Community Childcare opened up in the Village Hall as a pilot project to assess demand and the practicalities of running the facility.
This was always meant to be a temporary arrangement and once established and looking after children from a 20-mile radius, plans began to move into a purpose-built facility.
Over the next fifteen years this involved feasibility studies, business plans, grant applications, legal arrangements, land purchase, supply contracts, project management, etc. etc. resulting in our new building.
This work was largely done by a volunteer committee alongside the staff team and the professionals in all fields employed for their expertise. MAST Architects and Community Links worked alongside the group for at least 10 years.
Since moving in the group has adapted the building to its changing needs and it has proved its flexibility.
Our Team
OUR CHILDCARE TEAM
Lisa MacIntyre
Childcare Manager
I am Cairndow Community Childcare's Manager, and have been with the childcare here for sixteen years, starting off as a student and working my way up to be Manager. I hold an SVQ4 qualification and a BA in Childhood Studies. I am enjoying the challenges of growing the centre and creating something special. My passion lies in making a difference to children, families and staff. I am fortunate enough at Cairndow to be able to make a difference and input new and creative strategies in learning. I am available for children, staff and parents to talk to when needed, so please come and speak to me anytime.
My direct e-mail address is lisa@thefyneden.com
Jessica Smeaton
Toddler Practitioner
I have been at nursery since 2006 and in that time I have worked with all the different age groups within nursery and seen lots of boys and girls grow and graduate to Primary One and beyond!
I am a trained book bug leader and love to sing and tell stories and I also enjoy spending time outdoors playing and learning with the children. In 2018 I completed a Woodland Activity Leader Training Course.
Outside of nursery I have lived in Inveraray for 14 years with my husband and our kids. I enjoy walking, reading, holidays and meeting up with friends and family.
Qualified SVQ3 in Social Services (Children & Young People)
Ann Rogers
ELC Lead Practitioner
I am Ann Rogers and I joined the team in August 2024. Having been a qualified Primary School Teacher for the last 7 years I was excited for a change to work with younger children, who bring such a playful and curious way to their learning. In addition I knew first hand how wonderful Cairndow was with both my children having attended the nursery so was keen to join the caring team.
Before teaching I worked in Outdoor Education so I am excited to bring this element to the nursery, heading out with the children on adventures and learning all about the local nature.
Jacqueline Downs
Baby Practitioner
I'm Jacqueline and I live in Cairndow with my husband and children Lexie and William. I am originally from Central Scotland but moved to Cairndow for a more rural life.
I currently have a SVQ3 in Early Learning Childcare and Development. I love spending time with children and watching them grow and learn, no two days are ever the same and every day is an adventure.
Any spare time I have is mostly taken up with family life enjoying spending time outdoors with our dog Minnie.
Qualified SVQ4 in Social Services (Children & Young People)
Melanie Munro
I'm 19 and I have lived in the area my whole life. I feel like I have come full circle as 17 years ago I was being cared for by Lisa and Jess in the childcare. I have recently finished my SVQ3 and love being a qualified practitioner.
Qualified SQV2 and SQV3 in Social Services (Children & Young People)
Support Worker
Hannah Carter
Support Worker
I started working at The Fyne Den in 2022 in the Adventure Zone as an Admin Assistant/Supervisor. I moved over to the childcare team in May 2024 as a Support Worker. I thoroughly enjoy this role and have completed my SVQ3 Social Services (Children & Young People) to become a qualified practitioner.
Outside of being at Nursery I love spending time with my daughter, my husband and our dog Pep.
Qualified SVQ3 in Social Services (Children & Young People)
Elsie Adams
Adventure Zone Reception
OUR DIRECTORS
Alison Hutchins
Director/Chair
Cairndow Resident and previous user of childcare facilities for her children, now moved on to schools
Director of Dawnfresh Farming Ltd
Director of Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre
Director of British Trout Association
RSPCA Freedom Food assessor, ISO 14001 lead auditor and business development experience within the Salmon and Trout industry.
Virginia Sumsion
Director/Secretary & Treasurer
Involved with Cairndow Community Childcare since 2004.
Trustee of S.J.Noble Trust since 2012 - working to assist business development in Argyll.
Currently employed as Estate Manager for the Ardkinglas Estate
Founder member of Food from Argyll Group in 2007/8. Co-ordinator for the group 2010 to 2025.
User of the Fyne Den for grandchildren.
Hugh Johnston
Director
Local resident and representative for Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
Worked for Loch Fyne Oysters for many years within Sales, HR and Accounts Dept.
Owen Hutchins
Director
Cairndow Resident and previous user of childcare facilities for his children, now moved on to schools
Career in fish farming and husbandry, currently Manager Cairndow Salmon Hatchery
Volunteers
As a charitable community business, The Fyne Den would be delighted to hear from anyone who thinks they would like to offer their time and energy on a voluntary basis, particularly in the Adventure Zone, at weekends and fund-raising events. Our management committee is also entirely run by volunteers and anyone who feels they may be interested in taking on a role in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch.