Committee

President

Matthew Murray

Hi! I'm Matthew, and I'm thrilled to be Breakaway's president this year! I'm a 3rd year maths student from a wee village in the highlands called Lochearnhead. The past year as your Secretary has led to some of my fondest memories of St-Andrews, from breath-taking views, building snowmen up Munros, and ceilidhing in hostels. When I'm not hiking or immersed in some maths, I'll be reading a good book or taking a walk down West Sands beach. Looking forward to another great year with Breakaway!

Vice President

Jenny O'Gorman

Hi, I’m Jenny, a fourth-year art history student and I’m thrilled to be your vice-president this year. Breakaway is one of the most special parts of university life here—a welcoming community where there’s truly something for everyone. This year, we’ve got a fantastic variety of trips planned, both on the mainland and the islands—great chances to explore Scotland and build friendships that last well beyond the weekend. The socials and bonfires are a highlight too, perfect for unwinding and getting to know everyone. When I’m not hiking, you’ll likely find me on the beach with a coffee, planning the next adventure. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all—see you soon!

Secretary

Louise Simons

Hi! I’m Louise, a fourth-year Theoretical Physics student, and I’m excited to be your Secretary this year. That means you’ll be getting plenty of emails from me so please excuse any typos along the way... I’ve been part of Breakaway since my first year, and some of my favourite memories from St Andrews have come from this society, whether it’s our trips or the weekly pub socials. When I’m not hillwalking or at the pub, you’ll probably find me suffering in the library. I look forward to meeting you all!

Treasurer

Ella Malaika Spring

Welcome!! I’m Ella-Malaika, a third year geography student! I’ve lived in Scotland my whole life and love exploring this country along coastal paths, around lochs and up Munros alike. I do, however, adore a sea swim and a cozy cafe or pub so more than likely you can find me hunting out the next perfect wild swim spot or place to warm up in! The community in Breakaway is truly so special, and although cliche, also so welcoming. I’m excited to chat with you around a pint in the hostel or on the trail!

Trip Secretary

Callum Bond

Hello! I am Callum, a fourth-year geography student and this year’s breakaway Trip Secretary. I am from Berkshire in England and love spending time outdoors and have been hiking across parts of Britian and Europe for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved hiking and getting outdoors and this society has allowed me to continue that passion. Since joining I have had a brilliant time exploring Scotland, going to socials, and making some great friends.

I have enjoyed every minute of being part of breakaway, and for that reason I would encourage everyone who is even slightly interested in hiking, the outdoors or simply seeing different parts of Scotland to join as well.

If I am not hiking somewhere, you can always find me in the pub on Bell Street, should you wish to chat about Breakaway, Ale or anything else really.

Social Rep

Rose Anderson

Hi! I’m Rose, a third year English student, and I am so excited to be one of your social reps this year! I love Breakaways for the unforgettable experiences and great people it’s brought into my life. I usually like to chill on the low walks, but I’m hoping to tackle a Munro (or two!) this year. When I’m not hillwalking, you can usually find me reading a book, getting coffee, or losing a match of pool. I’m looking forward to many new adventures this year!

Social Rep

Andrew Mihal

Hello everyone! I’m Andrew Mihal, a third year studying Economics and Philosophy and I’ll be one of your social reps this year. I love a conversation with a great view and Hillwalking just happens to have both. Both on and off of trips, you’ll be seeing me run (and enjoy) the social life from balls to bonfires. Outside of Breakaway, I’m also Senior Student of McIntosh Hall and head of social media for the St Andrews Typhoons ice hockey team. I’ve already met so many wonderful people and I’m looking forward to meeting so many more! See you on the trails!

Kit Officer

Alex Brown

Hi, I'm Alex! I am a second year Biology student from Norfolk. Breakaway has been one of my favourite parts of uni, and I'm really excited to be kit officer this year! I'll be looking after the club's maps, first aid kits, group shelters and winter equipment - also, I'd love to answer any gear-related questions you might have! When I'm not up a hill or studying, you might find me on a morning run or swimming at east sands.

Publicity Rep

Nicola Mayer

Hi, I'm Nicola, a fourth-year Medicinal Chemistry student, and I'm very excited to be the publicity rep for Breakaway this year! Having been on exchange in Australia for the past year, I've missed The Highlands and I can't wait to get out on a Breakaway trip again! I hope to see many new faces this year. I spend most Breakaway trips on the low walks, with a goal to complete at least 1 munro this year! Some of my hobbies include landscape and wildlife photography, drinking coffee, and playing tennis. I'm looking forward to many new adventures this year!

Webmaster

Luca Finneran

Hi, I'm Luca, a 3rd Year Biology and Earth Sciences student from Yorkshire. I've spent my whole life camping, walking, running, and swimming around the Lakes, Dales and Highlands, so trips with Breakaway have been one of the best parts of my uni experience. I'm looking forward to meeting you all on walks this year, vaguely moving logos around on the website, and changing font sizes from time to time. When I'm not wheezing up mountains you'll find me anywhere but the library, drinking tea, or trying to fold up an OS map nicely :)

Ordinary Member

Oscar Symes

Hey guys, I’m Oscar - a second year French and Russian student from London. This year, I’m lucky enough to be one of the two ordinary members for Breakaway, undoubtedly the best society I was a part of in my first year. Whether it was a residential or day trip, it was worth every second of my time. When I wasn’t up a Munro, I was going for runs and trying to survive Gannochy kitchen (equally difficult endurance tasks). I’m looking forward to another year of walking and I’m sure it will be just as good as last year !

Master of Merch

Mary McKeegan

Hi! I’m Mary, a second year English student, and I am so excited to be the master of merch this year! Breakaway has been one of the greatest parts of life here at St Andrews. Whether it’s the stunning hikes and exploring the beauty of Scotland, or connecting with a wonderful community of friends—there’s always something to look forward to. Outside of hiking, you can find me reading in the library, dipping at West Sands or drinking coffee with friends! I can’t wait to meet you all and design new merch for all your hiking endeavors this year!

Health and Safety Officer

Gabby McIntyre

Hey! I’m Gabby, a second-year student studying Geography & Earth Science. I’m super excited to be your Health and Safety Officer this year! I first joined Breakaway to see more of Scotland, and it has been an amazing experience with the best people! When I’m not out with Breakaway, you can find me baking or going for a dip in the sea! I’m looking forward to all the trips this year, especially Torridon, and I can’t wait to meet you all!

Food Convenor

Wilson Sugeng

Hi, I’m Wilson, a fourth-year Philosophy and Economics student from Indonesia. This is my third year serving as Breakaway’s Food Convenor—planning and organising our dinners on weekend trips. Growing up in a country with over 1,300 distinct cultures, I developed a love for fusion cooking that blends Southeast Asian flavours with international cuisines. Beyond Breakaway, I enjoy meal-prepping (usually non-vegan dishes) and hosting friends at my South Street flat. I’m also passionate about Theology and fondly recall walking the Camino de Santiago, where I savoured local Spanish dishes along the way. I’m excited to share more meals and memories with you all soon!

Mascot

Fudge McDuff

Hi, I'm a highland cow and I love Breakaway! I really like the Scottish Highlands and seeing them from the snuggly comfort of a friendly hillwalker's backpack. Sometimes it's difficult to see though, with all my hair getting in the way. When I'm not seeing the Highlands, I live with the social reps who take occasionally lose me on island camping trips?

Moooooo.