Inspiring People

Here are messages received at Scottish Fair Trade in response to Catherine’s passing.

“I am so sad that Catherine is no longer with us. She worked tirelessly to promote Fair Trade in Scotland and to support the producers that are at the heart of what we do when campaigning. She was always cheerful and helpful no matter what she was being asked to deal with and her vision and planning of events over the last years has been so important. I am so proud to have walked with her in November.” Karena, Perth & Kinross

“I was truly shocked to read about the death of Catherine. As a member of the Balerno Fair Trade Village Group, I have had many contacts with Catherine - usually it’s been a case of me asking for her help, sometimes at very short notice. I always found her approachable, helpful, encouraging and friendly. I will miss her and I’m sure she will be greatly missed by many in the fair trade movement and beyond. It is very sad news. Please keep our Group informed of any plans in her memory.” Jane, Balerno

Thank you so much for your work Catherine! We met only briefly, but the opportunity and comfortable environment you created for young people to get involved in fair trade was wonderful. It's just a small bit of your legacy, but I know it is bearing fruit.
Ursula Canton, Glasgow

"It was a real privilege to work with Catherine on Global Citizenship materials for schools over the years through SFT's partnership with WOSDEC. She was quietly amazing, and I have learned so much from her both professionally and personally.” Diana, WOSDEC

“Oh no. Oh dear. This is so, so, so sad. I'm sorry. I send warm hugs to everyone at Scottish Fair Trade and Catherine's family and friends. So sad, she was the loveliest of people.” Linda, Scotland

“This is so sad. Catherine was a kind, gentle person, emblematic of what Scottish Fair Trade was. She was like the elegant swan, looking very serene whilst everything was happening at a SFT event, and yet working really hard below the surface to make sure it went well. It was a privilege knowing her.” Colum, Paisley

“This is so unbelievably sad. Sending love and hugs to all at Scottish Fair Trade and her friends and family. She was a force for good and positivity. Xx” Laura, London

“I'm so very sorry to hear this - she wore her competence lightly - caring, dedicated and ever helpful”. Martin, Scotland

“Oh that's really terrible news. She was such a wonderful person and will be sorely missed” Joanna, UK

“This is such awful news. Can't believe Catherine is no longer with us. She was such a warm, kind, lovely person with such a passion for justice. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, and all the Fair Trade movement who will miss her terribly.” Sally Romilly, Scotland

“This is truly devastating news not only for her family but for the movement as well. She was a lovely kind and thoughtful person who will be dearly missed. Condolences to her family and friends. 🕊️🙏🏽” Yasmina, Edinburgh

“So sorry to hear the news about Catherine. Condolences to her colleagues and family.” Estelle, UK

“Catherine was an exceptional person and a pleasure to work with. She could take my half-formed ideas and improve them and execute them perfectly, and was always quite a few steps ahead of me in planning for our conference. She was very generous with her time and advice and very effective at finding solutions to problems. On top of that she was just an all-round nice person. I admired her very much and will miss her.” Russell, Edinburgh

Catherine Newman 1976 – 2026

Catherine Newman dedicated her career to creating a fairer, more sustainable world through international development, environmental action and social justice. Across more than two decades she showed an exceptional ability to build relationships, bring people together around shared values and translate ambitious ideas into practical action.

Catherine joined Scottish Fair Trade in 2019 as Administration and Communications Assistant, later becoming Engagement and Communications Officer. Over seven years she became a driving force behind the organisation’s work to strengthen Scotland's Fair Trade movement.

She played a central role in developing Scottish Fair Trade's relationships across Scotland's campaigning and civil society community, creating partnerships that extended well beyond the Fair Trade sector. A gifted organiser and communicator, she brought people together through regular events, networks and collaborations, creating spaces where ideas could be exchanged and new connections could be made. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome and valued, whether they were long-standing campaigners or engaging with Fair Trade for the first time.

Catherine was deeply committed to ensuring the movement remained relevant for future generations. She was instrumental in establishing Scottish Fair Trade's Youth Collective, creating opportunities for young people to shape the organisation's work and bring fresh perspectives to questions of trade justice, climate justice and global solidarity. She was always looking for new ways to broaden the movement's reach, encouraging innovation while remaining firmly rooted in Fair Trade's core principles.

One of Catherine's greatest achievements was helping to organise the International Fair Trade Towns Conference, hosted in Edinburgh in 2025. Bringing together delegates from around the world, the conference showcased Scotland's leadership within the international Fair Trade movement and reflected Catherine's meticulous planning, calm approach and talent for making people feel connected across cultures and continents.

Before joining Scottish Fair Trade, Catherine built an impressive career in international development. She held a series of leadership roles with Link Education International, progressing from Programme Manager in Scotland to Director of the organisation in Scotland before becoming Programme Director in London. There she led an ambitious European Union-funded programme spanning seven countries, managing international partnerships and supporting collaborative approaches to education and development. Earlier in her career she worked with Earthwatch Institute, managing international environmental engagement programmes that connected businesses, scientists, teachers and communities around the world. She also worked as a researcher on projects exploring issues including digital inclusion and sustainable tourism in Scotland.

Following the birth of her daughter, Nico, Catherine took several years away from professional life to focus on full-time parenting. When she returned to work she became Office Manager at the Media Co-op before finding her professional home at Scottish Fair Trade.

Throughout her career, Catherine was known not simply for what she achieved, but for how she worked. Thoughtful, generous and quietly determined, she approached every challenge with warmth, integrity and a genuine belief in the power of people working together.

Catherine's contribution to Scotland's Fair Trade movement leaves a lasting legacy. The partnerships she nurtured, the opportunities she created for others, and the communities she helped build continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.