I was ordained as an Auxiliary Minister with The Church of Scotland and was the Auxiliary Minister at Menzieshill Parish Church in Dundee until June 2010. I played a full part in the life of Dundee Presbytery and was an Interim Moderator twice and convenor of the Social and Community Issues Committee for a period of time. In September 2010 I began studying at St. Andrews University as part of my transfer to full time ministry with The Church of Scotland.

As part of my training from part-time to full-time Ministry I served at BVP Parish Church as the Probationary Minister.

I joined Tayside Police as a Cadet in August 1978 and then became a Constable in January 1980. I served in Dundee on various beats and then in the Charge Room in Dundee Headquarters. I spent most of my service in Community posts: Community Liaison Officer, Youth Development Officer, Community Safety Officer and represented Tayside Police on a number of ACPOS and national committees across a range of subjects. In 2006 I was promoted to Sergeant, Crime Policy & Community Safety and retired in January 2010. In Crime Policy I was responsible for developing policies in line with national requirements and had responsibility for introducing changes to the system used to deal with young offenders. I also worked with Victim Support and introduced changes to the crime reporting system which enable a speedier referral for victims of crime to Victim Support. I also carried out Family Liaison duties as required.