Editing

Since first being handed the reins to some obscure trade magazines as a young pup, I’ve edited (and in some cases launched) a range of business, consumer and membership magazines both in the UK and the US. I still love the process of creating and editing publications that tell a story from first page to last.

scotland outdoors

Having spent two years travelling around Scotland researching, writing and snapping pictures for a series of wildlife travel guides, it made me wonder why Scotland didn’t have a dedicated outdoors magazine that explored the country’s phenomenal natural riches. Duly inspired, I launched and edited Scotland Outdoors, a high-quality quarterly that aimed to get under the skin of Scotland’s landscape and wildlife. Ok, so it didn’t quite become Scotland’s answer to National Geographic (an ambitious early sales pitch) but it did well, developed a strong following, and even scooped a couple of national magazine awards. The publication was sold in 2013, went through a couple of new owners and is now sadly no more.

John muir trust

One of my longest-standing clients to date is the John Muir Trust, the UK’s leading wild land charity. I spent seven years as editor of the Trust’s membership publications, including its highly-acclaimed Journal. I’m delighted to remain as a contributing editor and a go-to writer for the Trust’s special editorial projects.

Pocket mountains

Having previously written the Wildlife Traveller series of guidebooks for Pocket Mountains (excellent publisher, check ‘em out), I’ve also provided editing services across a variety of other titles, from Trailriding Tips and Techniques from Glentress  to The Spey and The Tay – 25 Walks from Source to Sea.

Peebles Outdoor Film Festival

More curator than editor, but I couldn’t help mention VERY enjoyable work as one of the programme directors for the annual Peebles Outdoor Film Festival at the town’s Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre. Held over a long weekend at the end of January, the festival sees a dazzling mix of adventure films from around the word, inspiring speakers and outdoor activity sessions. Launched in 2015, it has quickly become one of THE events on what is already a very busy events calendar locally.