John joined greenspace scotland in early 2019 to take up the role of Project Manager for the ParkPower Project exploring how parks and greenspaces across Scotland can benefit from green energy initiatives including renewable power generation, storage and distribution. The project uses spatial data analysis to develop a generic decision support process for local authority managers of greenspaces, allowing them to assess the green energy potential of their sites and portfolios.

John has spent most of the last 25 years running businesses in Scotland. Initially this focused on the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the development of statistical reporting software.  In the last 10 years, his focus shifted to the rapidly growing renewable energy sector where he has run several businesses. He has a broad range of senior management experience working extensively with the public, and private sector organisations across the UK. He has also co-founded and chaired local environmental groups and worked closely with community organisations to enable them to develop renewables projects.

He returns to the energy sector in 2019 after a two year experience qualifying as a secondary geography teacher, a career decision which did not quite go to plan. His enthusiasm to work with young people, particularly outside the classroom, endures and he is a committed volunteer for Lothian groups undertaking Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.