Tell us a bit about you?

I am a solicitor for the Scottish Government and work in Edinburgh, splitting my time between the office in Leith and working from home. I was in my mid-30s when I did my traineeship, having worked in a completely different sector before. I am also a mum to two young boys and have two little dogs (westies) so life is very busy between full-time work and family time. I volunteer for the children’s panel and will rediscover other hobbies when life slows down a little. 

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Did you study after leaving school?

Yes. I studied law at the University of Strathclyde, but decided at that point that I didn’t want to practise as a solicitor, so I completed a Master’s in journalism studies instead of the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice.

After more than ten years working in journalism and then communications, I went back to complete the Diploma and take on my traineeship with the Government Legal Service for Scotland.

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What and where was your first significant job?

I was a reporter for the Press & Journal in Aberdeen, covering everything from criminal trials in the High Court to council meetings and Highland games. 

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When did you join the Scottish Government and what was the role?

I moved to Edinburgh in 2015 to join the Scottish Government’s news team, responding to media queries and supporting the Justice Minister at media opportunities.

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What first attracted you to working at government or in the public sector?

Being able to work in government and help shape, develop or communicate the changes that affect everyone’s lives is a very privileged position to be in.

All of my roles in government and the wider public sector have been interesting and challenging, and there is a lot of scope to take on new challenges and keep things fresh.

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What does a typical day look like for you?

After either dropping the kids at nursery or walking the dogs, I settle in at my desk at home or travel down to Victoria Quay to work among colleagues. I’ll always have a catch up with my team in the morning before settling in to the tasks for the day.

This could involve working on the development of a Bill, drafting secondary legislation or producing legal advice about a proposed policy or issue raised by government colleagues.

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What do you like most about your current job?

The variety and challenge of the job. To work as part of a team on a Bill, or to directly draft a piece of secondary legislation, is a pretty unique type of legal work. The breadth and pace of work which comes across my desk keeps it interesting and different every day. I am also lucky to work with an excellent team of people who are incredibly supportive and encouraging.

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What is your working pattern?

I work full-time, splitting my time between the office and working from home. 

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What do you think is the best thing about working at Scottish Government?

The work we get involved in is unique, interesting and often high‑profile and important. The size of the organisation reflects the number of opportunities available, and no day is ever the same.

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Have you used any employee benefits whilst working at Scottish Government?

I take advantage of the flexibility of working at the Scottish Government, making sure that the working pattern works to my advantage. 

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What career advice would you give your younger self?

Trust your own judgement and follow the path that feels right for you. Take chances if they feel like the right decisions for you. Be flexible with your ideas about what the future holds, and make space for the work you enjoy most.