I was born in Canada and my father was a Mountie (that is true!) I came to the UK in 1989 as a Broadcast Journalism graduate and, after a short spell of travelling around Europe, I took on a job as a presenter with NorthSound Radio in Aberdeen. Three years later I moved to South Africa, taking on a news presentation role with the SABC in Durban. I returned to the UK a year later to set up the news operation for a start-up radio station in Cheltenham.
In 1994 I came to Edinburgh and moved from radio into public relations, taking on the very challenging role of Press Officer for the Scottish Conservative Party. I was soon promoted to Head of Media, serving Scottish Central Office for nearly five years. Along with the day to day dealings with the Scottish, UK and sometimes international media, I was also responsible for media training MPs and party spokespeople.
I joined Catchline Communications in 1998 and, shortly after its merger with Big Partnership in 2004, I moved to the company’s Edinburgh office where I headed up the 12-strong team.
During that time, I was fortunate to work with a wide cross-section of clients, including the likes of Forth Ports PLC, Peter Vardy Limited, Institute of Directors, Energy UK, Edinburgh Napier University, Inverness College and the European Tour, covering a wide range of sectors.
In my 20 plus years in public relations, I have also developed into an experienced media trainer. I’ve carried the political experience from my time at Scottish Tory HQ through to the agency environment where I’ve trained a broad range of public and private sector clients, delivering a service which is scaled to their requirements.
Outside of work I have a keen interest in news and current affairs. I also love music and am proud to be a founding member and drummer of the rock covers band, Big Tuna. I consider myself to be an adopted Scot and passionately support the Scottish rugby and football teams. I live in Edinburgh with my lovely wife Gwen and four beautiful kids Bruno, Biba, Stella and Daphne.