I am the Chair of Keep Scotland Beautiful, specialising in waterside regeneration and canal-based revitalisation for community and environmental benefit. My Fellowship allowed detailed study of the management and development of waterside regeneration in the USA and Canada.

As a canal volunteer initially, followed by a career in canal management and rejuvenation throughout the UK, I was keen to learn from successful regeneration projects in North America.

Since my Fellowship, I have been involved in major successful regeneration projects as well as community-based initiatives to benefit the environment, wildlife and communities.

There is now increased international co-operation and sharing of knowledge on canal management and regeneration. This includes the annual World Canals Conference. On a personal level, my Fellowship highlighted the importance and benefits of the sharing of ideas and the need for sustainability.