My VisitScotland journey started back in 2006. I remember the interview day so clearly as I waited nervously in the canteen whilst Maud baked her rock scones in the background.
I was desperate to join the Corporate Communications team as Internal Communications Executive and thankfully the call back came to say I’d been successful – I was delighted! With that initial role came the opportunity to work across a range of areas from writing for the staff internet to editing the regular internal printed magazine VS View, but most importantly it gave me the chance to work with all departments across the organisation. A great foundation for knowing who’s who!
With change, comes opportunity – so when my line manager took some quality time off for parental leave, I took on the tough job of stepping into her shoes for a year to take on the reigns of Internal Communications Manager. This was a dream job for me, and although it involved stepping out of my comfort zone it gave me a platform to think more strategically and project manage a range of initiatives.
Not wishing to move from VisitScotland once the secondment was over, I decided to expand my learning with a move into the newly formed Digital Directorate back in 2011 starting as an Internal Account Manager and then latterly as Account Director – this was a hugely varied role where I worked with internal colleagues to plan, forecast and implement digital campaigns.
This role gave me a great insight into the world of digital and performance marketing, but I was lured back into my love for PR / Communications when the role for Homecoming Scotland 2014 Communications was advertised. Working with a small but perfectly formed team, this role enabled me to work closely with the media, event organisers and a range of internal and external stakeholders including the Scottish Government.
When Homecoming Scotland 2014 ended, I continued leading on communications and stakeholder engagement for Scotland’s Themed Years up until 2020 – a truly exciting opportunity to work across the tourism and events sector to shine a spotlight on a range of celebratory themes.
With the arrival of COVID-19, there was an immediate need for VisitScotland’s Events Directorate to support the events sector both in terms of regular communication and guidance, and also funding. To align with the fast-moving situation which the pandemic brought with it, I moved into a seconded Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager role overseeing the delivery and development of a marketing and communications strategy. The role centres mainly on a B2B focus liaising closely with the events sector, Scottish Government, media contacts and a range of internal colleagues. However earlier this year, we delivered our first large-scale consumer campaign entitled ‘Buzz is Back’ which showcased Scotland’s exciting, exhilarating, and eclectic mix of music, cultural and sporting events.