Ayr Rugby Club has appointed Carlyn Paton as its new club secretary and added her to the organisation’s board of directors, in a leadership change aimed at supporting the club’s sporting and community work.
Paton succeeds Graham Duncan, who stepped down after completing two years of service. The club thanked Duncan for his contribution as it welcomed Paton into the new role.
Business and finance experience
Paton brings a background in economics and marketing to Ayr RFC. She began her career in banking and later became joint managing director of The Cairnhill Group, as well as co-founder of We hae meat.
According to the club, that experience will add business, finance and leadership expertise to its board. Alongside her duties as club secretary, Paton is particularly interested in player wellbeing and in improving the club’s long-term financial sustainability.
Focus on rugby and community programmes
Paton said she was honoured to join the board and intended to support the continued development of Ayr Rugby Club both on and off the pitch. Her stated focus covers senior and youth rugby, as well as the wider community programmes that the club says form an important part of its local role.
The club also says the new secretary will explore funding opportunities for community programmes and projects. That work is expected to form part of efforts to strengthen the organisation’s financial position while continuing its wider activities.
Ayr RFC chairman Brian Williamson thanked Duncan for his work over the past two years and welcomed Paton, highlighting her business and financial experience and her enthusiasm for the club’s ambitions as a sporting and community organisation.