Editing

Since first being handed the reins to some obscure trade magazines as a young pup, I’ve edited (and in some cases launched) a range of business, consumer and membership magazines both in the UK and the US. I still love the process of creating and editing publications that tell a story from first page to last.

scotland outdoors

Having spent two years travelling around Scotland researching, writing and snapping pictures for a series of wildlife travel guides, it made me wonder why Scotland didn’t have a dedicated outdoors magazine that explored the country’s phenomenal natural riches. Duly inspired, I launched and edited Scotland Outdoors, a high-quality quarterly that aimed to get under the skin of Scotland’s landscape and wildlife. Ok, so it didn’t quite become Scotland’s answer to National Geographic (an ambitious early sales pitch) but it did well, developed a strong following, and even scooped a couple of national magazine awards. The publication was sold in 2013, went through a couple of new owners and is now sadly no more.

scottish wildlife trust

One of my longest-standing clients to date is the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Having first served as a features writer, I am now contributing editor on the Trust’s highly regarded membership magazine Scottish Wildlife, working with Trust staff to develop all editorial content and then commissioning, editing, writing and overseeing design work for each issue.

Pocket mountains

Having previously written the Wildlife Traveller series of guidebooks for Pocket Mountains (excellent publisher, check ‘em out), I’ve also provided editing services across a variety of other titles, from Trailriding Tips and Techniques from Glentress  to The Spey and The Tay – 25 Walks from Source to Sea.

wild writers festival

More curating than editing, but I couldn’t help mention VERY enjoyable work as programme director for the annual Wild Writers Festival which centres on the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles. Held over four days at the end of January, the festival sees a dazzling mix of writers, filmmakers, artists and adventurers celebrate the living world and our place within it – from nature writing and adventure to ecology, memoir and the simple joy of time spent in wild places.