Q: Can you give us some background on where you are from in Scotland and your working career?

A: I was born and raised in Aberdeen and left after finishing Uni at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture. I worked in Edinburgh for 3 years for a couple of consulting firms before getting the itch to travel – during a summer holiday in 1985 on a Greek island, enjoying the sunshine, I said wouldn’t it be great to be able to enjoy this weather in a country where they spoke English – and so Australia it was to be. Arriving in Canberra, I moved a few jobs before settling into Lend Lease, which over 12 years took me to Brisbane, Sydney, Fiji, London, and Singapore.

Following Singapore, I returned to Australia and Melbourne with Leighton Contractors, with whom I had worked with in Canberra – after a while with Leighton’s and getting sick of being at the airport every Monday morning I said goodbye to close to 25 years with builders and moved back to consulting. As the Managing Director of a newly formed Project Management division in an established consulting company, I grew the team from 2 to 50. Reflecting on this achievement and the quote “courage and comfort will never be friends’ in 2019 I embarked on founding a new consulting and advisory venture in the property and construction industry – Newbridge – and so far, so good.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about what brought you to Melbourne from Scotland?

A: I arrived in Melbourne in 2001 after ‘squeerin’ in the South Pacific, London, and Singapore for the previous 6 years. A 6-month contract turned into my home for over 20 years. After landing in Melbourne, I realised I knew several business colleagues from my time at Lend Lease – I could use this as a springboard to develop my network and business interests and establish some lifelong friendships.

Q: How did you first become involved in the society, and what inspired you to take on the leadership role of Secretary?

A: Nick Broadley and I have been talking about the lack of Scottish events in Melbourne like Burns Suppers and St Andrew’s Day Balls, which, during my time overseas, I had seen everywhere. I was inspired to take on the role of Secretary to support Nick and the rest of the Committee while contributing to a very worthwhile endeavour.

Q: What does being a part of the society mean to you?

A: I am proud to be associated with the St Andrew’s Society Melbourne and committed to its development. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the Scottish business community in Melbourne and reconnect with existing business colleagues.

Q: What are some of the society’s key initiatives that you are particularly passionate about?

A: Participating in the development and organisation of the inaugural ‘Burns in July’ Burns Supper is particularly satisfying as I discover more about my direct family connection to Rabbie Burns – I will tell all on the night. Sharing and giving back is rewarding and involvement in the society provides that in spades.