Tell us about your background
After my childhood in Barrhead, my first job was as an engineering apprentice at Weir Pumps, where I worked on the circulating pumps for the reactors of the first atomic submarine. Unfortunately, a motorcycle accident removed me from my studies, and overnight I became a junior night porter at Turnberry Hotel in Ayr. That is when my career in hotels diverged, heading to the hotel and leisure industry with British Transport Hotels. I was lucky to travel and work in Europe, and I have worked every department in a hotel.
Why did you choose Strathclyde?
Because of its worldwide technical reputation in Engineering, and also because Strathclyde took over the world-famous Scottish Hotel School!
Where are you now?
Having retired and handed the reigns of the family business over to my daughter Nicola, I am finding time to help charities by sitting on a couple of diverse boards, such as the Hampton by Hilton at Hamilton Racecourse, and serving as Chairman of West Coast Harley Davidson/Triumph franchise. I am also thoroughly enjoying mentoring a graduate student from Strathclyde who has now appointed me as Chairperson of Caribbean Goods. So, my retirement is populated and interesting, and I am always looking for new adventures.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I would have to say being awarded a CBE by Queen Elizabeth II is the top highlight for me, and hard on its heels is my Doctorate from Strathclyde.