Operation Cairngorms was founded by a team of British Army veterans with a clear mission: to provide transformative wilderness-based workshops, courses, and retreats that support mental and physical well-being.
The project began with Stu and Pip, a husband-and-wife team with over 30 years of combined military service and operational experience in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After losing a friend to suicide, Stu retrained as a bushcraft instructor to create opportunities for others to reconnect, rebuild resilience, and find strength in nature.
Pip’s personal battle with postnatal depression inspired her to become a forest therapy practitioner, using nature as a tool for healing and growth.
Together, they transformed their 50-acre woodland near the Cairngorms National Park into a safe and supportive environment for Veterans, emergency service workers, and their families to thrive.
Today, Operation Cairngorms is much more than their story—it’s a growing organization dedicated to empowering individuals through the power of the outdoors.
Stu is a British Army Veteran with 12 years of service in the Royal Dragoon Guards, bringing
operational experience from both Iraq and Afghanistan. After retraining as an outdoor and
bushcraft instructor, Stu now leads the hands-on workshops, retreats, and courses at Operation
Cairngorms. Passionate about using nature to build resilience, he dedicates his time to
empowering others through outdoor skills and transformative experiences.
Pip, the UK’s first female Army Commando, has over 18 years of military service and
operational tours in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Her personal journey overcoming postnatal
depression inspired her to retrain as a forest therapy practitioner. Using her unique
combination of military discipline and therapeutic skills, Pip helps participants improve their
mental and physical well-being through meaningful connections with nature.
A Veteran with firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by those in uniform, Derek ensures
that Operation Cairngorms reaches those who need its programs most. His role is vital in
connecting Veterans, emergency service workers, and their families to the opportunities we
offer.
With strong military ties in his family, Karl brings years of experience in functional fitness and
resilience training. Leading Project Momentum, he helps participants build physical and mental
strength through outdoor-focused fitness programs.
“Operation Cairngorms is proud to be supported by individuals and organizations who share our vision for resilience and transformation through nature.”
Liz Mcconaghy is an ex-RAF Chinook crewmember who has deployed worldwide with the CH47
fleet, including to Iraq and Afghanistan. Part of her role during these conflicts was the MERT
medical recovery aircraft for injured soldiers.
In Liz’s words:
‘ When I left the military I suffered massively with lack of Identity and purpose. PTSD from my
time Operating on the MERT soon caught up with me and in 2020 I took a huge overdose. The
recovery journey coming through my PTSD has been the hardest battle I’ve ever fought but I’m
stronger because of it. The work Op Cairngorm are doing to help other Veterans connect with
nature and find purpose again is so important. Bringing together people with shared
experiences to help one another and form a new tribe and identity.’
We provide support to anyone who has served in the military, whether active, reserve, or
Veteran. Through outdoor experiences in a woodland environment, our skill-building
workshops and retreats offer opportunities to reset, rebalance, and reconnect with nature.
Our programs foster teamwork and genuine camaraderie, helping participants build lasting
connections and a sense of belonging. By working together and sharing experiences, individuals
leave with renewed confidence, self-reliance, and lifelong friendships.
We extend support to the families of Veterans and serving military personnel, offering inclusive
programs to strengthen family bonds and promote well-being.
We assist individuals transitioning from active service to civilian life, providing a supportive
bridge to navigate this process and build a sense of purpose beyond service.
Through the Momentum Project, we engage our entire community in outdoor functional
fitness, resilience training, and coaching. These sessions are designed to improve mental and
physical health, creating a space where everyone can thrive together.
