About Me

I am a social entrepreneur who grew up on South Uist, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. I qualified as an Occupational Therapist with a passion for addiction recovery in both the UK and East Africa. In 2014 I was awarded the Young Scot of the Year Unsung Hero award for setting up and managing the St Jerome’s Centre in Kenya. In Uist, I manage the local befriending service called Caraidean Uibhist, which is part-funded by the Out Hebrides Alcohol and Drugs Partnership. I speak fluent Gàidhlig, English and Swahili and I am a passionate supporter of Uist culture.

Rural life

I am part of many clubs/organisations varying from research, arts, heritage, sports and health groups. I enjoy the peaceful outdoors and I feel the community support during difficult times is something that is so special in rural communities – everyone is there to help each other out. Having said that, gossip can spread very quickly in remote rural communities.

Rural challenges

Looking to the future, I would like to see improved collaboration within health and social care services for rural communities.