Mini Bio

Since my first rock climb at the age of 15 on the Isle of Arran, my enthusiasm for all things ‘mountain based’ remains undiminished.  During a long career in teaching where I spent the last ten years as a Depute Head Teacher in a large secondary school, I still managed to climb, kayak and ski all over Europe,  North America and the UK. I also spent time teaching and coaching rock climbing. I took particular satisfaction from planning and preparing groups of young adults for extended backpacking and mountaineering trips in Scotland and abroad. In 2014 I decided to leave teaching  and concentrate on what always seemed like my parallel career in the outdoors…..a great decision. Nowadays, I like nothing better than travelling into remote areas by kayak, bike, skis in winter or even on foot. Spending my time climbing, walking, exploring, taking pictures, and learning more about our environment. 

Place to Play

Anywhere on the west coast but if pushed for more precision then the west coast of Lewis for the sea, the surf, the sea cliffs and hills.

Not a Lot of People Know This

After giving a short presentation in my home village to the local Agricultural Society I was unexpectedly tasked with judging the ‘Shortbread Baking Competition’.  This involved tasting then ranking the top 6 entrants. All in front of the formidable competitors! I have never felt under more pressure.