DJ is a heritage professional with academic research specialisms in the dislocation and domicide experienced by communities in post-war Edinburgh and the archaeological and historic landscape of the south-west Scottish Highlands.

His life-long passion for Scotland’s built heritage developed during his early years growing-up in the Scottish Highlands and on the island of Islay and was further strengthened during his university studies in Glasgow and Edinburgh. This abiding love of Scotland’s history and heritage has influenced many aspects of his career since, including his time spent as an historical consultant, in local and national politics, as a community activist, and in the service sector, where he spent many years managing some of Scotland’s best-known hostelries.

He joined Scotland’s Churches Trust as Director in 2022.