Neen Kelly

Tweed Tourism Business Engagement Officer

Neen Kelly

Neen is an experienced destination specialist with over 40 years’ experience both in the public and private sector.  25 of those years were spent at VisitScotland where she held a number of roles including those within the UK and International Marketing Departments.   Whilst in UK Marketing she was manager of the Active Team with responsibility for Scotland’s outdoor activities portfolio.  She also worked closely with stakeholders on Scotland’s successful bids for the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2014.  Both bid projects involved working alongside numerous public-sector agencies, the industry and the Government, and provided her with an excellent opportunity to experience collaborative multi-stakeholder working at the highest level. 

Since moving into the private sector in 2008 she has delivered a range of destination development projects for clients.  She has a wealth of experience in working with multi-stakeholder groups and undertaking wide-ranging product audits, consultations and community engagement for clients. 

Neen has worked extensively in the south of Scotland.  She has supported Scottish Borders Council over many years on a variety of projects including project managing two LEADER funded cycling projects both requiring much engagement with businesses and communities, the development of the cycle and walk tourism offers, delivering a cycle tourism strategy and a focus on events.  She was appointed by South of Scotland Enterprise to project manage the development of the Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast cycle route across the south of Scotland. 

Many of her projects involve a hands-on project management approach to tourism and she relishes those that involve direct engagement with businesses and communities on the ground.  Neen understands tourism and its many challenges.  She listens, and her experience helps identify what practical support and solutions are needed.