

Charitable Community Business
Contact:-
The Fyne Den
Cairndow
Argyll PA268BL






Our Team
Our Childcare Team
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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.
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 or press here for direct link -
Lisa MacIntyre
Lead 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 son. I enjoy walking, reading, holidays and meeting up with friends and family.
Key Practitioner, SVQ3, with us since 2006
Jessica Smeaton
General Assistant
I am a local girl, born and bred in the village of Strachur on the shores of Loch Fyne, and it never fails to astound and delight me on a daily basis.
I have worked in various local business's throughout my working life gaining a large amount of experience in the varied roles I have enjoyed.
I am excited to have joined the child-care team here at Little Learners at The Fyne Den and really relish the ever-changing needs and challenges I come across daily in helping the childcare setting run as smoothly as possible. No two days are the same and the joy of watching the wee ones play, develop and grow is so rewarding.
I love volunteering at Strachur Youth drama in my spare time, encouraging the children to be creative and have fun in their performance activities. Its such a worthwhile pursuit for the young people in the local community, I still get a huge buzz when seeing them gain confidence and have the best fun, the same as I now get everyday at the Den.
Katie Wilson

Jacqueline Downs
ELC 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 and aim to work towards an SVQ4 in the near future. I love spending time with children and watching them grow and learn, not 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 two dogs Sonny and Minnie.
Ross Anderson
Toddler Practitioner
Joined Cairndow Childcare in 2019 and studying towards SVQ3
I have always had an interest in working with children and learning about their development and what makes them tick. To be given the opportunity to work and train and learn from my colleagues at Cairndow Community Childcare has been an ambition fulfilled and I am working hard to take my education further.
I get as much from the children as they do from me.
Orla Murphy
Baby Practitioner
Originally from Ireland, I have travelled and worked in various locations including New Zealand, settling in Cairndow a few years ago.
I have always worked in community settings with children and young people, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring my skill set to The Fyne Den.
I transferred from the Adventure Zone to Little Learners childcare facility at the end of last year and am working towards a SVQ3, and loving it.
Contact Orla on info@thefyneden.com or press here for direct e-mail link -
Our Customer Service Team
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Kirstie Dowse
Event & Party Co-ordinator
With a background in acting & drama provision for the young people in the local area, and presently studying for a degree in Event Planning, I am delighted to be using and expanding my experience at The Fyne Den. I have been involved in producing dramatic and musical theatre for a number of years and act as creative director for our local youth theatre, where staging and set have been in the forefront of my experience.
I enjoy nothing more than organising an event or birthday party that will surprise, delight and wow a child, while minimising the stress for a parent and supporting them to get the celebration they desire.
You can contact me on info@thefyneden.com or press here for direct e-mail link -
Alana Dey
Admin & Membership Co-ordinator
Having been a part of the local community for my entire life, I was more than delighted to be able to take the opportunity of working with The Fyne Den.
The skills and artistic traits that I bring to the team are put to good use assisting Kirstie with Events and Parties, and I love nothing more than devising new designs for face-painting.
Responsible for the development of our play provision in the Adventure Zone, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of developing our Toddler only sessions, arts & crafts and Messy Play sessions, and am excited for what's to come. I look after all our Friends of the Den, and assist with the day-to-day running of the facility, which means there are never two days the same, suits me to a T.
You can contact me on info@thefyneden.com or press here for direct e-mail link -
Alice Maclellan
Play & Event Host
I am the newest recruit to the customer service team here at The Fyne Den and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. Studying fashion at Uni gives me a creative background and skills to bring to the team, and talents I have been able to use for events and parties which is very satisfying. I have had a few years of customer service experience from my family owning a hospitality business, and I really enjoy meeting families and children and helping them to get the most out of the facility.
You can contact me on info@thefyneden.com or press here for direct e-mail link -
Our Business Team
Sheena Dowse

Business Development
I have been raising my family and running my own businesses in the local area for the last 30 years, being heavily involved in lots of community activities. I have experienced business and voluntary work from many diverse angles and have picked up a lot of skills along the way. Getting involved with developing The Fyne Den, helping it to reach its full potential, and promoting the opportunities it brings to the local community, visitors and team are both exciting and rewarding.
You can contact me directly on sheena@thefyneden.com or press here for direct e-mail link -

Our Directors

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.
Alison Hutchins
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.
Self- employed event organiser, catering provider and consultant on Tourism and Food business development.
Founder member of Food from Argyll Group in 2007/8. Co-ordinator for the group 2010 to present.
Virginia Sumsion

