Q. Tell us a bit about your Scottish roots — where you’re from and what you were doing before coming to Australia?
I was born in Edinburgh and lived in Bonnyrigg for a few years before the family crossed the Firth of Forth to live in Dunfermline and the Kingdom of Fife. My Dad worked for the Co-op in Kirkcaldy so it made sense to be in Fife (to this day Kirkcaldy have been one of those rugby teams I love to play!). The family home remains in Dunfermline with my parents still there and my sister living across the road from them and my brother in Edinburgh. I went to the University of Aberdeen to study law then lived and worked there as a property lawyer and played rugby for Gordonians then Aberdeen Grammar FP’s until I left the not so sunny Aberdeen for life in Australia. I loved my time in Aberdeen, especially the student days and to this day still have friends for life that I met along the journey of my time in Aberdeen.
Q. What brought you to Melbourne, and what was that transition like for you?
The first stop in Oz was for a lifestyle change to Darwin where I worked and studied to be admitted as a lawyer in Australia. With my wife being a Kiwi there had always been the chance of living somewhere down under at some point and that’s what happened. Leaving Scotland in the deepest and darkest depths of winter to arrive in Darwin slap bang in the middle of the wet season was a bit of an adjustment to say the least! Darwin was a blast and an amazing place to live and work but leaving the family back in Scotland was a massive decision to make. It was time to think about a change when my wife fell pregnant with our now 11 year old son. We moved to Melbourne (where my wife’s Mum lives) in October with our son born the following January so a new city, new job and newborn in a very short period of time!! Melbourne is fantastic and I love what is has to offer including so many sports to choose to play or watch. Admittedly AFL was tricky to understand at first but I just love sport and my son and I are now avid Hawks fans and members.
Q. How did you first get involved with the Society, and what motivated you to step into a committee role?
My first work meeting in Melbourne was in a boardroom and as I sat down I heard a familiar accent and sure enough it was someone I knew from my Uni days Aberdeen – its an incredibly small world!! That man introduced me to the whirlwind that is Nick Broadley. We met for a coffee and my first Society event was the St Andrew’s Day Lunch followed by the Deacon Blue concert – what an amazing day that was (but not so much the morning after!). I think I have Innes Kirkwood (Treasurer of the Society) to thank for the nomination to be part of the Committee a few years back now and I haven’t looked back. The events are something special and its great to have that connection to your Scottish roots with like minded people who understand what its like to support Scotland at rugby and football and the highs (and mostly lows) that go with that. Having said that its brilliant to see Scotland at a World Cup again later this year and there is real promise for the rugby team as well next year. We dare to dream!!!!
“My first work meeting in Melbourne was in a boardroom, and as I sat down, I heard a familiar accent and sure enough it was someone I knew from my Uni days, Aberdeen – it’s an incredibly small world.”
Q. What does being part of the Society mean to you personally?
I just love the banter, to coin a Scottish phrase. Every event I meet someone different and get to know others better than I did before. It is also great to be able to be part of important Scottish traditions like Burns in July and the St Andrew’s Day lunch. From a business networking perspective, I have also been able to build a unique Scottish network. It’s also great to be in a room with people who understand the banter and are there to build their networks and also have a great time at unique events.
Q. Is there a particular initiative, event or aspect of the Society you’re especially passionate about?
All the events are very popular and well attended, and the Scottish connection is great. I think it’s very important to remember traditions and where you came from, and never forget your Scottish roots that set the foundations for where I am today. We always have a focus on trying to give back where we can by partnering with charitable organisations with Scottish connections.
Q. And finally, what do you enjoy outside of the Society? (hobbies, interests, favourite ways to spend your time)
My son is 11 and plays rugby, footy and basketball, so that’s one way to pass the weekend! We also try to get to most Hawks home games, and I still watch rugby as much as I can. Other than that, I enjoy the early morning walk with the dog to set myself up for the day, catching up as a family with friends and grabbing a drink or two if we get the chance.
We thank Colin McCaul for sharing his story and for his continued contribution to St Andrew’s Society Melbourne. His passion for community and connection is greatly valued within the Society.
From Glasgow, Nick attended the University of Strathclyde and worked for 10 yrs
across Scotland in the House building and Property Development Industry. In 2008 Nick left
Scotland to pursue his career in Melbourne. Nick is currently a partner of a privately held Executive
Search group that specializes in the placement of key leadership appointments across a range of
Industries. As a natural connector of people both on and off the pitch, Nick founded the St Andrews
Society to connect like-minded Scottish Business leaders in Melbourne to share ideas and build long-
lasting relationships. Nick loves nothing more than a trip home to watch Scotland play rugby at
Murrayfield -if they are winning!
