Did you grow up in the Highlands?

Yes, I did my primary schooling on the shores of Loch Duich on the west coast. My early years were spent exploring the rugged forests and mountains in the area, where my love for the great outdoors first began. My dad was a keen mountaineer, often bagging a few Munros on a Sunday while a roast slow-cooked in the Rayburn back home.

From the west coast, my parents moved to the Shetland Isles—specifically to Unst, the most northerly island in Britain. My mum became one of the country’s most northerly teachers, and my dad set up his art studio, carving local soapstone and driftwood, creating landscapes from peat charcoal, and weaving on a loom. I can still hear the click and clatter of his loom and remember the beautiful tapestries he crafted from local wools and natural dyes.

Where does your interest in knitwear come from?

My earliest memories of knitwear weren’t exactly fond ones—jagged, itchy jumpers that I wore under protest, scratching away at school. It wasn’t until I was older, listening to my dad talk about the natural durability and benefits of wool, that I began to appreciate it. He would tell stories of fishermen braving the harshest seas wearing only their Fair Isle gansies, or Arctic explorers relying on wool for warmth. Later, my mum began knitting stunning matching outfits for our twin boys. She still knits today, crafting beautiful Shetland wool garments for all seven of her grandchildren.

Wool is deeply intertwined with Shetland’s culture, where many highly skilled islanders make a living creating woollen garments for the tourism market that’s fallen in love with this special place.

What inspired you to start your own outdoor company?

I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, especially the wild, rugged landscapes of the Highlands. However, I spent much of my working life in a very different environment—running restaurants and bars. The fast-paced, stressful nature of that industry often had me daydreaming about escaping to the hills.

A cruel twist of fate eventually gave me the push I needed. We lost one of our twin boys, and our remaining son was diagnosed with severe disabilities. Long hours away from home were no longer an option. One morning, looking out the window at the river, I saw a group heading out canoeing. That was the turning point. I decided to get qualified, and in 2016, I launched Adventure Highland.

Now, I spend my days guiding groups and families on lochs and rivers, leading mountain days, scenery tours, and even guided sled dog rides in the winter.

Is your business seasonal and tourism-driven?

Yes, our busiest period runs from April to October, working with local estates and visitors from all over the world. We operate canoe trips year-round and manage to keep things going during the quieter months, thanks to the additional sled dog work in winter. We’re also fortunate to have the support of local residents, who enjoy discovering new sights and experiences they might not have explored, even after living here for years.

Do you have any niche sporting passions?

For the past 24 years, my wife Amanda and I have raced sled dog teams. We have a kennel of working dogs (who are also our pets) and have travelled all over the world to compete. I raced for many years on the British team at World and European Championships, competing at the highest level alongside the best in the world. Amanda and I have always shared a deep passion for dogs, and we’re grateful for the amazing memories we’ve made.

In recent years, I’ve taken a break from racing but still enjoy creating special experiences for guests from Eagle Brae, who join us for sled dog outings on our home trails.

Where did you learn to canoe?

I’ve been canoeing for most of my life, initially on holidays and school trips, and later as a way to access remote locations for hiking. My formal qualifications were earned at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore, the UK’s centre of excellence for outdoor training. I’m also fortunate to have many highly skilled friends who help me develop my personal skills.

What’s your favourite river to canoe in the Highlands?

That’s an easy one. I live and work on the River Glass and River Beauly and never tire of their stunning beauty. For a bit of white water fun, the River Findhorn is hard to beat. We’re surrounded by some of the best waterways in the country, so there’s always something new to explore.

What’s your ultimate canoeing destination?

One day, I’d love to paddle Canada’s Great Lakes and just disappear for a while, immersing myself in the beauty of the country’s wild landscapes.