South Glasgow

Does God have a sense of humour?  Is the grass at Ibrox green?  I am originally from Edinburgh, yet called to live in sight of Paradise; a maroon supporter surrounded by green and blue. How can we sing the Lord's songs in a strange land?  This is a strange land which has become home and has made me welcome and where God is at work.

After studying history at Edinburgh University I worked as an asbestos stripper for a firm called Boak Brothers (the name is meaningless in the East); then studied theology in Aberdeen and became the Baptist minister in Rutherglen in 1986.

While working in the church and with young people in the area, I became increasingly involved in schools and studied for the PGCE at Jordanhill in Religious and Moral Education.   I taught in Glasgow schools and was then appointed to a national post developing resources and policies for Religious Observance in Scottish education and supporting local authorities in the delivery of national guidance.

Like Dave (but I'm the one with the beard) I believe SU is a volunteer organisation and it's strength is in the volunteers. Our role is to support and work with volunteers.  I am excited by what is already happening in Glasgow schools and the amount of hard work and commitment given by so many.  

I started in April 2008 as project leader for GO and cover schools in the South of the city.  SU has a strategic opportunity to make a difference in Glasgow and I am thrilled by the opportunities God has placed before us.

I am still involved in leading the church in Rutherglen.  My wife, Muriel, is a district nurse in Halfway in Cambuslang and we have three boys.  Two are students and one is an apprentice electrician.   

I enjoy any exercise that allows me to sit down, so prefer cycling.  I enjoy any food except squid.  I enjoy exploring ideas, books, music and films.  I occasionally even escape to the east where wise men come from…eh…. that might be further east than Carmyle?