Ailsa Mackay

Ailsa is a Research Centre and Programme Manager with extensive experience working across academia, government, and practice, specialising in community resilience capacity building. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, she is also an established practicing artist and art tutor. Ailsa leverages the unique characteristics of the creative sector, blending practical experience, academic evidence, and community insights to demystify complex concepts, bridge understanding gaps, and empower individuals to make informed decisions. Passionate about fostering community cohesion and cultivating preparedness for environmental changes, Ailsa employs creative approaches to enhance health and well-being. Her work helps individuals build resilience against life’s inevitable challenges. As a co-author of several research projects, Ailsa has explored community resilience building and fostering resilience in young people with special needs, demonstrating her commitment to empowering communities and promoting sustainable, resilient futures