Celebrating 40 years of the Grampian Yoga Association- A Journey Through Time
This year is the 40th anniversary year of the Grampian Yoga Association (GYA). It’s the perfect time to reflect on our history, from how we started in the mid-1980s to becoming the vibrant organisation we are today. If you are a yoga teacher, practitioner or just curious about starting your yoga journey, there’s no better time to get to know us and become part of our thriving community.
How it started
The story of the GYA begins back in 1984. It was born out of a yoga class led by the legendary Ian Scorgie in Aberdeen. Ian was a pioneer of yoga in the area, having founded the Aberdeen Yoga Centre in 1960. His passion for yoga and commitment to teaching inspired those around him to form a community where people could come together to learn and grow through yoga.
Initially, GYA was established as a branch of the Scottish Yoga Association, now known as Yoga Scotland. The original committee included Chairman Richard Ward supported by Secretary Margaret McAllister and Treasurer Shelagh Brown with Ian serving as Honorary President. They shared a vision of promoting yoga throughout Grampian laying the groundwork for what would become a long-lasting and impactful organisation.
Leadership and Growth
In 1986, just two years after its founding, Chris Benton was elected Chair of GYA. She held this position for an impressive 18 years, playing a crucial role in guiding GYA through its early years and establishing a strong foundation for the future of the association. With Chris as Chair, Pam Welsh took on the roles of Secretary and later Treasurer keeping the administrative and financial side of things running smoothly.
Joan Honeyman, another key figure in the GYA’s early years served as Chair from 2004 to 2008. Joan’s involvement with the GYA spanned 24 long years, a proof of her dedication and commitment towards the organisation. Both Pam and Joan were honoured with the Lifetime Honorary Membership when they retired from the committee in 2011 recognising their invaluable contributions to the organisation.
Other leaders have continued to build on this legacy. Janet Ollason served as Chair from 2008 to 2012 and her contributions were also recognised with Lifetime Honorary Membership upon her retirement. Ally Summers, who joined the GYA in the early 1980s, took on the role of Chair in 2015 and led the association until 2019. Ally continued to serve on the committee until 2021 when she was granted Lifelong Honorary Membership for her dedication.
Over the past 40 years, the GYA has grown from a small group of yoga practitioners into a thriving community.
Looking back, moving forward
From early days as a small group inspired by Ian Scorgie, to becoming a vibrant community, GYA has grown and evolved thanks to the hard work of its members. Throughout its history, the GYA has focused on making yoga accessible to people across the Grampian region, organising classes, workshops, and seminars that cater to a wide range of abilities and interests.
As we mark our 40th anniversary, we look to the future with a deep sense of gratitude for the past and look forward to welcoming new members and continuing to grow together.
So, whether you are a seasoned yoga teacher, a practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey we invite you to join us. Discover the benefits of yoga, connect with a growing community of passionate practitioners and become part of the GYA’s next chapter.
Here’s to 40 more years of learning, growing, and thriving together.
Namaste!