I started my career with Union Castle as engine room boy after leaving PWSTS, and then following 2 years at Leith Nautical College from 1975-1977 I joined Silver Line as a junior engineer. I finally left the Merchant Navy in 1982 after gaining 2nd engineer's certificate (motor). I then began a career with MoD, based at Rosyth Dockyard, and after a spell as engineer officer in the Navy's Mooring & Salvage department I became naval overseer for RN ships in refit. In 1988 I resigned from MoD and joined Babcock, the refitting contractor at Rosyth. Through various promotions I am currently a project manager on the new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier project.