Looking ahead – a blog from MND Scotland’s new Co-Chairs

Our Board of Trustees provides invaluable insights, along with passion and a commitment to our vision of a world without motor neuron disease.

As former Co-Chair, Scott Bryson moves on to pastures new, and Callum Patterson steps back from the Co-Chair role, we thank them both for everything they have done, and continue to do, for the MND community

In this blog for MND Scotland, our new Co-Chairs, Emma Hall and Graham Binnie, look ahead to the future of the charity.

It is with a deep sense of responsibility, openness, and genuine excitement for what lies ahead that we share this blog as the new Co-Chairs of MND Scotland.
Taking on these roles this month is an honour for us both. We want to share where we are as a charity, and talk about where we are heading together, thanks to your continued support.

There is no getting around it: the past year has been one of the toughest in MND Scotland’s history. Like many in the charity sector, we’ve faced some very tough financial weather which meant making decisions we truly wish we’d never had to consider.

To ensure the charity’s survival and secure its future, the Board of Trustees had to take some very difficult steps. This unfortunately meant saying goodbye to some of our valued colleagues and pausing some of the services we offer. We know how concerning and frustrating service reductions have been for the families who rely on MND Scotland.

We want to acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has continued to support MND Scotland.

Looking ahead together

Even though those choices weighed heavily, they have helped put MND Scotland back on steady ground. We’ve made it through a tough period , and we are now emerging with our eyes fixed firmly on a brighter future.

As Co-Chairs, our primary goal is to ensure MND Scotland is resilient, transparent, and fit for the future so we can continue making time count for families living with or affected by MND.

Here is what we are focusing on as we move forward:

• Protecting our support programme: We are rebuilding our core services around what matters most to you, ensuring practical, wellbeing, and financial support is accessible to families across Scotland. A cost-of-living grant has been announced and will be available for people living with MND to apply for from 1 October 2026.

• Investing in research: We remain dedicated to funding world-class MND research to find new treatments and, one day, a cure. The progress being made is so inspiring, and we are determined to keep that momentum going.

• Stronger governance & transparency: We continue to lead with transparency, keeping our supporters and our community close and informed every step of the way.

MND Scotland belongs to all of us. As we begin this new chapter, we want to foster an open, approachable environment where your voices are heard and valued. We welcome the introduction of the MND Scotland Advisory Group to provide independent advice and insights to help shape our work.

Despite the hurdles we’ve faced, we step into these roles with enormous hope. Everyone affected by MND, from people living with the condition and their families to fundraisers, volunteers, and researchers, inspires us every day. Whether you want to share an idea, ask a question, or simply say hello at an upcoming event, please know our doors are always open.

Thank you for standing by MND Scotland through thick and thin. We are looking forward to a brighter, stronger future. Together we will make time count.

With warm wishes,

Emma Hall & Graham Binnie

Co-Chairs, MND Scotland