My early interests were athletics and design. Athletics became a big part of my early life and I trained every night after school eventually being chosen to represent Scotland in the 100 and 200 metres. My other "claim to fame" was, upon winning the Singer Sewing Machine Competition I travelled to London where after modeling my design I was presented with my prize by a very young Terry Wogan.

I also loved working in the Art Department and was very influenced by my teacher, Neil McLeod. Through him I further developed an interest in textiles and was encouraged by him to apply to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art. This brought about a dilemma, in that, up until that point I had been intent upon a career as a P.E. teacher . After much soul searching I eventually decided to take Neil's advice and enrolled at Duncan of Jordanstone, Dundee in 1973.

I specialised in Jewellery, Photography and Textile Design and won a Travel Scholarship in my 4th year. I used this award to travel to New Brunswick in Canada. This allowed me to work in a Craft College producing jewellery to sell at local craft fairs. In 1977 I graduated with a Highly Commended Diploma in Textile Design, as a direct result of which I was invited to do a Post Graduate year in Textile Design, graduating in1978 - "Highly Commended".

I went to Moray House in 1978 and for my final Teaching Practice, in 1979, I chose to attend Hawick High School. While there I was offered a job, which I accepted, and started teaching in August 1979, never imagining that I would spend all my teaching career in Hawick High School. This has been a highly enjoyable experience.

In 2002, returning to my love of textiles, I developed and introduced a new course, Creative Fashion, in partnership with Mrs E. Parkes former P.T of Home Economics. This has proven to be a highly successful course and 8 years later has seen a fashion show each year given the students unique cultural experiences. I met my husband, Jim, at Hawick High School and we have two children, Kate and Liam. Hobbies for me are a thing of the past but I am sure that there will come a day when I will be able to continue my own work.