I spent my youth growing up in the east of Scotland but wishing to live on Skye where my father's side of the family belong. Sheep gathering above the Storr lochs was far more interesting in the summer holidays than berry picking in Fife.
After studying agriculture at Aberdeen University I worked for several years in upland and hill farming in Scotland. I then worked in agricultural development in West Africa for 6 years with Tearfund - it was here that the foundations for my career in community development were laid. I learned that the most fundamental element in community development was enabling individuals and communities to determine their own futures by making their own decisions rather than by allowing outsiders to decide for them.
While working in Africa a subscription to the West Highland Free Press kept me informed of exciting developments in Scotland with the purchase of land in Eigg, Assynt and Knoydart by local people. On my return to Scotland in 1999 I was therefore determined to become involved in the emerging community development sector. I moved to Harris a year later to work for Harris Development Ltd, one of the earliest community development companies. I was in the right place at the right time and was privileged to be involved in the community purchases of the North Harris and Loch Seaforth estates. I subsequently worked for 5 years as Land Manager for the North Harris Trust combining my land management and community development skills in 1 post. Tasks included negotiating and implementing a land management agreement with SNH, managing the deer herd, restoring some of the many miles of footpaths and sourcing funding for a ranger service.
In 2011 I switched trusts to become the Commercial Development Manager of the West Harris Trust. The 120 strong community on the west side of Harris were the first to purchase a crofting estate from the Scottish Government in 2010. Activities there included developing community and business facilities, releasing land for affordable and self-build housing, and developing small wind and hydro schemes. With the opening of the new community venue Talla na Mara in early 2017 I decided it was time to move on and use the wide range range of skills and experience I had acquired to help other communities achieve similar things.