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What led you to study sports science? 

“I grew up in East Lothian and went to my local high school. Academically I was more than capable but I didn’t engage with things as much as I could, and I ended up flunking my exams in 5th year. I did better in 6th year but there weren’t many options available to me and I ended up taking a year out and working. 

“Music was a passion of mine, and I had considered going in that direction, however I realised sport would keep me engaged the most.  I joined Edinburgh's Telford College – now known as Edinburgh College – and spent two years studying a HND in Sports Coaching and Development. It was a great course and very practical, which suited my personality at the time. I knew I didn’t want to be a sports coach, but there were elements of the course, particularly the physiology and psychology side of things, that I really enjoyed. 

“The college had a strong connection with Edinburgh Napier, and I got direct entry into third year of the University’s BSc Sport & Exercise Science programme. This course was primarily taught at the college, with a couple of classes held at ENU. This allowed me to naturally transition into a new environment. I had matured enough to handle the academic demands and did my Honours year at Edinburgh Napier. I ended up graduating with a 2:1. 

“I finished my undergraduate degree in 2005. I wanted to continue my education, and I undertook a sports medicine and exercise science Masters in Glasgow. I did really well in the course. I often tell people not to force it. People learn in different ways, and you change as you get older. I wasn’t until my early 20s I became studious.”

Tell us more about your work experience

“After my failures in school, I realised that I’m not going to naturally fall into anything. If I want something I need to work for it. It was never ‘you will’, but rather, ‘if you don’t, you won’t’.

“I gained work experience throughout my higher education journey. In my first year of college I got a job working as a sports coordinator at a high school in Edinburgh and I held the role for several years. In third year I had three part time jobs. I continued working at the high school, whilst also picking up shifts at a bar and in retail. These roles helped me develop my emotional intelligence and communications skills. I’ve come to realise these are just as important as academic ability. When I did my Masters I got the opportunity to work part time as an applied physiologist at Hampden Sports Clinic in the sports medicine department.

“After finishing my studies, I wanted to commit to a career. My ambition was to be a sports scientist, preferably within football. I applied for various jobs and got a part-time job at Raith Rovers. I combined that with two other jobs: teaching HND Sports Coaching at a college in Fife while continuing my role at Hampden Sports Clinic.

What was your first full time job?

“All the effort I put in paid off. I was offered multiple roles but decided to remain at Hampden Sports Clinic who offered me a full time Sports Scientist position. I just knew this was where I was meant to be, and it was such a proud moment for me because it was confirmation of all my hard work. I’d clocked 200,000 miles in two years going from one job to another - I vividly recall being stuck in a snowstorm in Fife for 12 hours!

“I held this role for seven years and I used the skills I’d developed at university. My remit covered all sports, and I was responsible for assisting with the physical development of athletes. One day I’d be working with footballers and the next a tennis player or swimmer. Sometimes members of the public would come in for more health-based appointments, such as fitness assessments and medical checks. I also worked with Scottish football referees to ensure they are developing their physical capacity as well. I was a jack of all trades and master of none, but that suited my brain.”

Tell us more about your career at the Scottish FA

“I was with Scottish Football Association for nine years. I initially joined in 2015 as Head of Football Science and Medicine and in 2017 I became Head of High Performance. In November 2023 I was promoted to Performance Director. I oversaw various areas, including sports science, sports medicine, performance analysis, performance data, scouting, talent identification, and operational and logistical matters. It was really challenging and really great.  

"In addition to managing the functional components of the sport, I was most concerned with the environment and culture and human elements of the game. It doesn’t matter what your job is, if you’re having a hard time in your personal life or not feeling well, it can affect your work. We tried to ensure the players and coaches performed to the best of their abilities by spending time understanding each individual and supporting them in the best way possible.”

You’ve recently been appointed as Sporting Director at Hearts Football Club in Edinburgh. What are you most looking forward to in the role?

“The appointment as Sporting Director at Hearts of Midlothian FC is a proud moment for me and my family, and a new step and change in my career that I am relishing. The role will oversee the whole football department of the club from First Team on the Men's and Womens side down to the academy. Although I do no officially start until the end of November as I work my notice period with the Scottish FA, I have been closely involved in the recruitment of the new Head Coach for the men's team currently and I excited by the new chapter for both the club and myself for many reasons.”

What was the high point of your career?

“I never envisioned I would be doing this. I’m so fortunate to have this job so my career is my high point.

“Winning in Serbia in 2020 to qualify for our first Euros since 1996 was incredible. I remember joining the conga line in celebration. However, this moment was tinged with sadness as well, as I’d lost my dad the previous year. I remember taking a few moments for myself while the celebrations were happening to think about my dad. That’s the human side of football.”

Have you faced any challenges?

“I could name a dozen sad points, but I don’t really have any negative feelings towards them because it’s not the successes that make you stronger, it’s the disappointments. You learn to reflect and adjust, and then you go again.”