Q: Where are you from in Scotland? Or tell us your connection with Scotland, tell us your story.

A: I’m originally from a village called Kiltarlity. It’s a wee place mainly known for its Shinty team and Lord Lovat. Of course, it’s much bigger now than it was when I grew up there as it’s a reasonable commuting distance from Inverness and most Highland pursuits. I left to study at Strathclyde University after visiting the civil engineering department by mistake at a Glasgow University open day. Seeing a demonstration of a bridge made from cannelloni pasta bucking under load was what clinched it.

Q: Can you give us a brief background on your working career? Including your current role.

A: Graduating in a recession, I found roles with engineering consultants and site work within heavy civils contracting. Heading overseas for 5 years, I gained professional experience in Melbourne (transport) & Wellington (telecoms), my roles becoming more commercial and project management focused. I returned to the UK, studied an MBA, and worked in Public Private Partnership for 13 years, in consultancy and for investors delivering large infrastructure projects. In 2017, I returned to NZ to lead a motorway construction for the government and have since done stints in consulting and building construction before joining Ventia as Senior Commercial Manager for part of their PPP portfolio.

Q: What motivated you to move to Melbourne, and how has Melbourne and its culture impacted your life?

A: Having lived and worked in Melbourne as a backpacker, plus visiting my aunt and uncle in Geelong over the years I was in Wellington, I loved it. Melbourne and Wellington remind me of cosmopolitan Glasgow, where I studied both times. With better weather and public transport too, of course. After work finished in Auckland, I was ready for a new challenge; diversity in work opportunities, as well as the thriving arts and culture scene, appealed.