About NESCAT
Bringing people together to care for and better connect our coast
NESCAT is an independent regional charity, formed in 2025 to help turn a long-standing ambition for a north-east coastal path into something real.
Our flagship project is The Doric Way: a proposed 150-mile coastal trail between Montrose and Cullen, connecting more than 40 towns and communities along the way.
We’re bringing people together to improve access, look after coastal places and celebrate the nature, heritage and local life that make this coastline what it is.
02 · Why we’re here
A path can do much more than get us from A to B
A better-connected coastline can help more people enjoy the outdoors, support local communities and make it easier to care for the places the route passes through.
The Doric Way gives us a practical way to bring all of that together. Every section we improve can open up access, create new volunteering and learning opportunities, bring local stories to life and encourage people to spend time in coastal communities.
We’re working across the route with people who know the coast, building the partnerships and making the well-planned improvements that fit each place.
03 · Our areas of focus
What we’re working on
Our work centres on five connected goals. These are being delivered through our work on The Doric Way . Together, they help us improve access, care for coastal places and make sure communities can benefit from the route.
Better access
Joining up routes and making them clearer and easier to use, while respecting the people who live and work on the land.
People and wellbeing
Giving more people reasons to get outdoors, learn about the coast, volunteer and spend time together.
Heritage and place
Sharing the Doric language, harbour stories, traditions and local character that make this coast special.
Nature
Helping people enjoy the coast responsibly and supporting practical work for wildlife, habitats and the wider environment.
Working together
Bringing communities, landowners, councils, funders and local organisations together to turn good ideas into progress.
04 · The people behind NESCAT
Local people, with a regional outlook
Our volunteer trustees are rooted in communities across the north-east and bring a wide mix of local knowledge and experience.
Together, they guide the charity and keep us focused on what will make a real difference along the coast.
Convenor
Christo Shepherd
Christo has farmed livestock and arable land throughout his working life, much of it within a mile of the North Sea. He has a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Aberdeen and is a keen walker of coastal routes. He is a director of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and a trustee of the David and June Gordon Memorial Trust, and has previously served as a governor of Robert Gordon’s College and a trustee of Aberdeen Endowments Trust.
Vice-Convenor
Charis Duthie
Charis is a retired Emeritus Professor of Health Services Research at the University of Aberdeen and Treasurer of Benholm and Johnshaven Community Council. She has been closely involved in developing and fundraising for the Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail, supporting accessible coastal-path improvements and local responses to erosion. This work led her to help establish NESCAT.
Treasurer
Ewan Clark
Ewan is a retired GP and Deputy Lieutenant who lives within a ten-minute walk of the coast between Portlethen and Findon. An experienced hillwalker and mountaineer, he has always been happiest outdoors. Since retiring, he has become a strong advocate for The Doric Way and a trustee of NESCAT.
Secretary
Mike Skitmore
Mike is a chartered civil engineer with more than 30 years’ experience in major infrastructure and energy projects with BP and Premier Oil. His work has included large capital projects, joint ventures and complex delivery programmes, and he also brings valuable regional infrastructure knowledge through his role with Peterhead Port Authority.
Trustee
Ron MacDonald
Ron is Secretary of the Newburgh and Ythan Estuary Trust and has led the Seal Viewing Project at Newburgh Links, including new parking, all-abilities paths and visitor facilities. He is also a former Director of Policy and Advice at Scottish Natural Heritage, now NatureScot.
Trustee
Jim Buchan
Jim trained as a mechanical engineering technician before founding J & J Buchan in Peterhead in 1983, providing engineering, fabrication and ship-repair services. He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire, Chair of We Are Peterhead and a member of the Peterhead Port Authority Board. A founding NESCAT trustee, he enjoys cycling, skiing and salmon fishing.
Trustee
Steve Lander
Steve is retired after a varied career across many aspects of agricultural enterprise, particularly animal health. He has a deep affection for the great outdoors and brings practical rural knowledge, alongside a lifelong appreciation of the landscapes and communities The Doric Way will connect.
Trustee
Alison Mitchell
Alison is a longstanding advocate for walking and responsible outdoor access. A Ramblers member since 1983, she has served as Grampian Area Chair, Convener of Ramblers Scotland and a Ramblers GB trustee. She currently represents access users as a reserve member of the Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum.
Trustee
Niall Thom
Profile to follow.
Project Manager
Luke Robertson
Luke leads the day-to-day development and delivery of The Doric Way. Originally from Aberdeenshire, he has managed projects across the environmental, climate finance and low-carbon energy sectors, including work with the United Nations and on decarbonisation projects in North East Scotland. His farming background also gives him a practical understanding of rural land use and landowner engagement. Luke has led expeditions in Greenland, Antarctica and Alaska, and became the first Scot to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole.
05 · Supported by and working with
We can only do this together
Funding, local knowledge and practical help from organisations and communities across the region are what keep the work moving.
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06 · FAQs
A few quick answers
Looking for route details? You’ll find those on The Doric Way page.
What is NESCAT?
We’re an independent regional charity helping people enjoy, care for and better connect the north-east coast. The Doric Way is our flagship project.
Is NESCAT a charity?
Yes. We’re a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with OSCR as SC054156.
Who runs NESCAT?
Nine volunteer trustees guide the charity. Luke Robertson, our Project Manager, leads the day-to-day work and initial enquiries.
Does NESCAT manage every coastal path?
No. We work with landowners, land managers, councils, communities and existing route managers to agree and deliver improvements.
How can I get involved?
There are lots of ways to help, from sharing local knowledge and volunteering to supporting the work as a business or funder. Head to our Get involved page to find the right fit.
07 · Come and be part of it
There’s a place for you in what comes next
Explore The Doric Way, see how you can get involved or get in touch about a place, idea or partnership.