Colin worked in public horticulture for over 40 years. Having started as an apprentice in 1972 with Blackpool Parks he gained a place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to study for the Diploma in Horticulture course (DHE) which he successfully completed. After Edinburgh he moved to England to Warwickshire College to be Horticultural Technician/Instructor, before moving back north to Dundee City Council in 1983 as Parks Training Officer. Over the next few years at Dundee, he went on to hold different roles: Assistant Horticultural Officer, Horticultural Officer and Health & Safety Officer for the Leisure & Communities Department.
Since its inception, Colin was heavily involved with the Dundee Flower and Food Festival, until taking early retirement in 2011. Retirement has been very full. Colin undertook part time lecturing for Arbroath College and voluntary work at Forfar Open Gardens and continued with a range of other horticultural activities. He has been a long standing and active member of the Hardy Plant Society, including being Vice Convener for the Scotland & Northern Borders Group of the HPS between 1995-1999.
He was Chairperson of the Letham Gardening Club for over 20 years, organising annual shows, plant sales and talks held throughout autumn & winter. While in Letham, he served as Chairperson of Letham Feuars (an organisation formed when Letham was formed as a village in the 1700s to look after village assets, buildings and green spaces). Whilst serving as Chair of Letham Feuars and the Gardening Club, the two organisations took over the planting and maintenance of the village square when Angus Council pulled out.
Colin is one of the longest serving Beautiful Scotland Judges and an It’s your Neighbourhood Assessor. For the past few years Colin has been show convener for the new Scottish Auricula & Primula Society. He has judged at many flower shows including, Carnoustie, Aberdeen, Dundee, Newtyle, Perth & Auchterarder.
Colin essential member of the Caley team at Saughton Park, including leading propagation workshops. Colin has a strong interest in herbaceous perennials, plant propagation and growing vegetables, so it is not surprising that he has become such a valued member of the team – and is greatly appreciated by the Friends of Saughton Park as well as Caley members. Colin has recently been elected as Caley President.
