Ruth Donnelly

Ruth joined SU Scotland in August 2026 as Associate Trusts Network Lead. She works within the Local Ministries team to strengthen the existing network of Associate Trusts and to develop new partnerships with a view to growing the network and contributing to SU Scotland's ambition of having every high school in Scotland prayed for regularly.

 

After graduating with a degree in languages and a Masters in Business Administration, Ruth spent the majority of her career in Higher Education careers work, mostly at the University of Edinburgh. Her passion was helping students to develop personally and professionally and equipping them to have a sustainable impact in the world. She worked closely with partners across the university and with local and international businesses and charities to design programmes to enable students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to develop their confidence and connections. She is delighted to be transferring this passion to help support young people in the most worthwhile context of all, sharing the Gospel.

 

Alongside her role in SU, Ruth runs a grief retreat at her home in East Lothian, a God-inspired vision to help bereaved people by offering them a safe and peaceful place to stay for a few days to tend to their grief. The retreat is named Calvin's Cabin to honour the memory of her son. Ruth also has a daughter who lives in Glasgow.

 

Ruth enjoys travelling, walking, cycling, cooking, baking and reading.