Detailed biography

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I’m an experienced PR and communications consultant, helping organisations navigate complex challenges, communicate with clarity and strengthen relationships with the audiences who matter most. With a 30-year track record spanning consultancy, in-house leadership, and journalism, I bring a sharp strategic focus and practical know-how to every brief.

Before launching Lighthouse PR, I spent five years as a Director at BIG Partnership, one of the UK’s leading independent agencies. There, I worked directly with executive teams to sharpen their decision-making, guide reputation strategy and unlock opportunities through communications. I led a high-performing team in Edinburgh, with a client portfolio ranging from major corporates to high-profile public sector bodies. I also provided 1:1 coaching to senior leaders, built successful profiling campaigns and offered counsel at moments of pressure or change.

Previously, I was an Associate Director at global agency Weber Shandwick, working across complex multi-stakeholder accounts, issues-rich sectors and award-winning campaigns. Highlights included repositioning the Port of Liverpool on the world's maritime map, delivering  a major campaign for the NHS and supporting the Borders Railway’s return with an initiative to stimulate economic benefits. I’ve led communications for clients in infrastructure, energy, logistics, transport, health, environment, education and more.

As a former Media Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, I managed a large team handling some of Scotland’s most high-profile and sensitive issues — from tragic social work cases to a Papal visit. I advised the Chief Executive and Council Leader, built a strong emergency comms capability and introduced strategic planning, evaluation and digital communications tools that stood the test of time.

Earlier in my career, I held a senior role at the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, where I led public relations during a period of major organisational transformation and sensitive environmental issues. Before that I had a role managing communications for SEPA in the north of Scotland, and previously at NHS Grampian, where I developed and delivered public health campaigns, managed health communications during outbreaks, and pioneered early digital and participatory comms initiatives.

My career began with the BBC in Shetland, where I reported, presented, produced and edited daily news and features for a local and national audience. That grounding in journalism, curiosity and clear storytelling still shapes how I work with clients today.

I'm a graduate of Robert Gordon and Aberdeen universities. Having spent two years studying business at the former I wanted a change and spent my third year at Aberdeen having transferred, where I covered everything from applied ethics to zoology. It was a breadth of study that stood me in good stead as a journalist and then into PR.

Professional development has always been important to me. I completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations diploma in 2001. I served on, then chaired, Grampian PR Group (as it was) for several years. I've had two spells on the CIPR Scotland committee, most recently as chair, and was made a Fellow of the institute in 2025.

Although born in Aberdeen, I grew up in Perthshire. I now live in Fife with my wife and have two children. My interests are listening to, playing and making music. I'm also trying to learn how to do cryptic crosswords. Sometimes I'll even treat myself to a jigsaw puzzle or a new Lego set. Each to their own!