Women's Upland Network Founder
Carolynn Hoy
Community Councillor, Tweedsmuir Community Council
Background and Career to date
My background is motorsport, beginning like most drivers in karts, working my way through single seaters, saloons, even trucks and vintage. When I stopped racing I was the Senior Race Instructor at Silverstone for ten years and alongside that ran on-track events for Jaguar, Volvo and Alfa Romeo.
I then ran a junior karting championship for Bernie Ecclestone as a pathway for youngsters into Formula 1. Four of my Champions are currently in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton was my first Champion, then George Russell, Lando Norris and Alex Albon. Until very recently I was employed by BMW to demonstrate their M series and Mitsubishi their Evo cars on-track.
I'm now full time at Stanhope and Patervan where there are always jobs to be done!
Please describe why the uplands are important to you?
These are the last unspoiled areas of Southern Scotland supporting rare and endangered species (which includes heather that is at risk from bracken).
What inspired you to become a founder of the Women’s Upland Network (WUN)?
Our menfolk are at the sharp end of protecting and working the uplands but women are the quiet supporting role. It will be great to meet more women who live and work in these wonderful uplands.
What does the success of the WUN looks like for you?
Bringing to the attention of the general public the great work going on protecting our uplands. Perhaps we will be able to bridge the gap and educate city dwellers that we are doing our very best to look after and maintain the wild beauty of the hills.
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