I have been Principal Roads & Flooding Officer for Clackmannanshire Council since 2014. As Scotland’s smallest council our size helps us to better engage with our communities despite the many resource challenges. When offered the opportunity to be a SFF trustee I was delighted to accept. I do feel its important for professionals to offer their experience when asked to fight the scourge of flooding. In times of Covid this should be the “new normal” attitude we all adopt in our industry. Indeed if I need any motivation I look no further than the example set by the volunteers running our local flood groups. They truly embody all that defines altruism. I think I can offer some perspective on what local authorities can, and perhaps, should do to manage flood risk locally. I also want to see what more can be done to engage with communities so, in partnership, we can all be more resilient. SFF are better resourced now than they were so their positive influence and the help they can offer is more noticeable across the country. However, the challenge will always be huge and more needs done to see the threats posed, especially from climate change, better met. Having the SFF as an strong advocate for people concerned about or who have been affected by flooding is as vital as ever and I am delighted to support the cause.

Finally I am told I must give some information about myself that nobody knows. Without compromising myself too much : I played Handball for club and country for 30 years. Sore knees now but sorely missed times.