Our People
We are very proud of our people at Caledonian Discovery Ltd and over the years we have attracted a great team of individuals that have contributed heavily to our ongoing success.
Five of a crew will look after you during your stay. An experienced skipper will be at the helm. The mate is an instructor qualified in a variety of outdoor activities. The cook is in charge of the galley and all things domestic helped by an assistant and they are all helped by the bosun who makes up the usual complement of crew.
On occasion there will be a themed week where there will be a music leader or wildlife leader as part of the crew.
Martin Balcombe
Company Director & Skipper
Martin lives locally with his wife and 2 children. He is a highly qualified and experienced skipper and outdoor instructor with qualifications from the Royal Yachting Association, Scottish Canoe Association, Scottish Mountain Leader Training Board and the Royal Life Saving Society.
Neil MacLeod
Marketing Administrator
Neil has the very enjoyable task of promoting Caledonian Discovery. Before joining the company he ran his own business advising small organisations the most effective way to develop their marketing ideas. He is now focused on making Caledonian Discovery a popular holiday destination.
Anne Marie MacDonald
Bookings Administrator
Anne Marie will generally be the first point of contact when you call or email the office. She is extremely friendly and ready to help you through the booking process.
Armani MacLean
Financial Controller
Armani is our person who manages all the accounts. She also helps with the bookings and will probably be the first person you will talk to if you have an inquiry or wish to make a booking.
OUR CREW FOR 2019
Dave Roberts
Freelance Skipper
Dave, better known as Swampy, takes the helm for certain weeks over the course of the season. Dave started with Caledonian Discovery in 2000 and progressed to skippering the barge in 2005. In the winter, Dave is a ski patroller at the local ski resort.
Adam Evans
Skipper /Operations Manager
Brought up in Henley, Adam has spent most of his life on boats. His work with Caledonian Discovery started in 2013, gaining his Boatmaster Certificate in 2016. When the 2018 season finished Adam joined us full time as the Operations Manager. His role is to assist in the day to day running of the holidays and maintenance of the barges.
Olivia
Chef
Olivia is a teacher and a freelance chef based in London. She first worked with Caledonian Discovery in 2010 and she loves returning to cover holidays or breaks when required. It is her passion for food and the convivial atmosphere on the cruises which keeps her coming back.
Lucy Greenfield
Chef
Originally from Kendal, Lucy has worked across Europe and various places in the UK, from the Isles of Scilly to Old Trafford. In her last few jobs she has created meals for similar numbers to the guests and crew on our barge so returning for a second season she finds life in the galley a piece of cake – she also enjoys baking.
Kristian Beaver
Chef
With experience of cooking from Northern Italy to Ilfracombe, managing staff in restaurants and cafes, head chef of a seafood restaurant, Kristian knows how to present delicious meals. He is not only a fine chef and fund raiser he is also a member of the British Institute of Inn keeping.
Lucy Mcghee
Bosun
From Greenock, Lucy joined us in 2012 with a love of anything to do with engines. From a very early age she has been passionate about historic vessels, particularly “Paddle Steamers”. This enthusiasm has allowed her to contribute regularly on articles in Paddle Steamer magazines.
Steve Sim
Bosun /Guide
From Aberdeen-shire, he loves the outdoors. His first time on board Fingal was in 2005 but the lure of other work, in particular photography, took him away from the Highlands. Now on his 5th full season he says his greatest learning experience was his time in the cubs and scouts, where he discovered there is a correct knot for each job.
Chris Absolom
Mate / Guide
Originally from Guildford, Chris has worked in Wales, the Lakes, France, Spain and now Scotland, as an outdoor instructor. With a plethora of outdoor qualifications his true love is for all sports which include a paddle!
David McClymont
Mate / Guide
From Perthshire, David loves sharing the outdoors and all it has to offer. Over the years he has been involved in leading groups of all ages in water and land-based activities in Ireland and Scotland. Not only has he several qualifications in outdoor activities he is also a certified stage combatant and has appeared on stage with the Perth Theatre company.
Susie Hill
Guide
Originally from Edinburgh, the draw of the Adventure Tourism Management Degree, (a degree of having fun,) allowed her to follow her passion of guiding and to share her love for the outdoors. When not helping with Caledonian Discovery you can find her working as a technician in the theatre and on outdoor displays with fireworks and pyrotechnics, including the London Eye New Year display and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
