Recruitment Matters
2026
u The Galbraith Cupar Team planting trees for The Lucky Ewe Charity.
Welcome to the 2026 edition of Recruitment Matters
This is the fourth official year of this publication, and I took the opportunity to reflect on the fantastic progress we have made with it.
It has evolved from being a traditionally rural focused publication aimed at our graduates to representing the diversity and breadth of experience we have within the Firm and the amazing journeys our employees have been on in their careers that brought them to Galbraith. It is a true reflection of the culture we are fostering and demonstrates the value we place on ensuring people feel fulfilled in their roles.
I am proud to share the 2026 edition, which highlights the opportunities to be involved in across various aspects of the business, including Corporate Social Responsibility and the variety of pathways into the Firm. It takes you through all areas of our business from those who have joined us on work experience and then moved to permanent roles, to those that work within our crucial support functions across Administrative Support, Finance, HR, Marketing and Compliance. The key thing that stands out for me is the variety of life experience that has shaped our people, allowing them to bring their best to Galbraith.
I hope you enjoy the edition as much as myself and the team enjoyed pulling it together and learning about our colleagues and their own personal journeys and experience.
Galbraith is a leading independent property consultancy. Drawing on a century of experience in land and property management, the Firm is progressive and dynamic employing over 200 people in offices throughout Scotland and the North of England. We provide a full range of property consulting services across the commercial, residential, rural and energy sectors. Galbraith provides a personal service, listening to clients and delivering advice to suit their particular opportunities and circumstances.
Stefanie Bennett Head of People & Culture
@stefanie-bennett LinkedIn Email: hr@galbraithgroup.com
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Scan to listen to our Podcast
12
My career on & off the pitch with Katie Moodie.
13 Charity month with Megan Morrissey.
4 A Graduate Q&A with John Rodwell and Philippa Orr.
6
56 & NEEDING A NEW CHALLENGE
7 Finding my place in the countryside.
8
My journey so far with Natalie Fotheringham.
10 A DECADE OF PARTNERSHIP
Galbraith and Edinburgh Rugby at 10.
14 Getting the balance right securing a part-time role as Assistant Forest Manager with Galbraith.
15 Length of service milestones.
16 FROM ARCHITECTURE TO COMPLIANCE
An unexpected journey into data, compliance, and finding home.
18
My path from the Army to finance to Galbraith.
19 In the field
My time as a Rural Surveyor and Army Reservist.
Philippa Orr sits down with Graduate Surveyor John Rodwell for a chat about his first two years with Galbraith.
John, you have been with Galbraith for a little while now. How do you feel you have settled in?
I joined Galbraith in September 2024 during the Graduate intake, and it has flown by. I work on both the Rural and Energy sides of the business from the Aberdeen office and the team have been so welcoming. I feel like I have been here for so much longer. I am currently working towards qualifying as a Rural Surveyor later this year and the support from the office and wider business has been greatly appreciated.
I am so glad you have been settling in well. I was in your shoes about eight and a half years ago and still remember being made to feel like part of the team very quickly. Did you always want to be a Rural Surveyor?
Truthfully, growing up I always wanted to be at home on the family farm, but I also wanted to study at the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) to gain a better understanding of the business side of agriculture. It was not until I started at SRUC that I learnt about the other opportunities that are out there and came across rural surveying. I was aware that there would be jobs in farm valuation but not that there was a career with such a diverse workload that would cater to my rural background. I still go home at the weekend to help out on the farm.
That is what I love most about what we do, the diversity of our workload. No two days are the same, so looking back, I wonder what your expectations were coming into the job?
The work that I am involved in is far more diverse than what I had initially expected which I see as a real positive. Whilst I expected to be working in rural and assisting in valuations, I am now exposed to several business streams including Utilities, Farm Sales and Renewables. A large part of my workload now involves Utilities, which initially surprised me but has become an area I really enjoy and would like to focus on going forward.
I have also found that I am able to influence the type of work that I am involved in and I have been able to focus on elements of surveying that I find most interesting. It is a very flexible role and there is always something for everyone.
I was exactly the same, when I was a graduate, I started doing a lot of estate management and after I qualified, I focused more on the Energy side of the business. Although it is still good to stay involved in all the aspects of the job. What does a typical day look like for you?
It is difficult to say as every day is different, I often find my workload has a mix of utilities, telecoms, compensation work, valuation and sales all within the same day, which certainly keeps things interesting.
I also have the opportunity to work with other colleagues around the Firm. I do this regularly which helps provide me with a more rounded experience in preparation for my APC and it gives me exposure to the niches that other colleagues have chosen to specialise in. I have particularly enjoyed getting stuck into contract farming agreements recently.
In terms of Energy, what is keeping you busy? And what do you enjoy the most?
At the moment I am heavily involved in work with underground cable routes and commercial negotiations on behalf of landowners when they are approached by an offshore windfarm. I find this work to be the most rewarding as we are able to make a positive difference in achieving the best results for our landowners.
u Graduate Surveyor
Aberdeen office
John Rodwell
There is also a great demand for surveyors to assist landowners who have been approached for other infrastructure such as telecoms masts and pylon lines which is interesting work as you are trying to balance the public benefit and your clients’ expectations.
You are due to be sitting your APC soon; how have you been finding the process and the training that Galbraith offers?
I have certainly been getting enough experience through my day-to-day workload, and I know I can reach out to colleagues to get experience in any area that I might be missing. Galbraith put on several different training days throughout the year that offer specific APC training, and I know I can go to anyone in the Firm to ask for help. I am always talking to the other graduates who are at the same stage as me or the stage above to gain an understanding of what is ahead. I have now also been advising our most recent intake of graduates on the APC process.
How does your Energy work tie in with the available competencies for your APC?
Much of my work is linked to Energy and although I am doing the Rural pathway, I am finding that there is a lot of crossover. Especially the competencies of Access & Rights Over Land, Compulsory Purchase & Compensation, Landlord and Tenant, and Valuation. Each job poses new challenges, learning opportunities and complexities which I am able to apply to my written experience.
What advice would you give to yourself three years ago when you were about to start on this process?
Just give it a go, I have had so many positive experiences throughout my role. Looking back, taking on new challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone feels far less daunting than it used to be.
Why would you recommend Galbraith to a potential graduate or future employee?
I would recommend Galbraith because of the people. From the colleagues in Aberdeen to colleagues throughout the wider Firm, they have been nothing but helpful and supportive. I am getting to learn from lots of different experts in their fields and that is invaluable, especially at the stage that I am at.
Just give it a go, I have had so many positive experiences throughout my role. Looking back, taking on new challenges and stepping out of my comfort zone feels far less daunting than it used to be.
John Rodwell Graduate Surveyor
Philippa Orr Senior Associate
John Rodwell Graduate Surveyor
56 & needing a new challenge
I was hardly a spring chicken. I had been working for the same company, a leading UK firm of property consultants, for over 20 years, most of them very happy. However, things had recently taken a turn for the worse, after a take-over by a vast, overseas banking group.
At our small, mid-Northumberland office, we were losing our autonomy and freedom to act as we thought best. A strict service line culture was greatly restricting the fields in which we could operate. The bureaucracy was becoming overwhelming. Together with a number of my colleagues, I was starting to feel stifled.
Above all, the job was increasingly about money, rather than people.
For someone who values client and colleague relationships above all else, this was no good. It was time for a change.
Galbraith came to the rescue, and I could not have been more delighted. In the summer of 2022, they offered me a job, and I accepted immediately. I had worked (on opposite sides of the fence) with a number of Galbraith staff before, and had been impressed by their technical competence and their down-toearth courtesy and common sense approach.
Similar offers were made to, and accepted by a number of my colleagues.
My starting day coincided with the opening of a new office. It was a proud moment when our team of seven opened the new Galbraith office in Morpeth on 3rd January 2023 (despite being
very much in England, how we enjoy that Scottish two day New Year Bank Holiday!).
Initially, we were nervous about how much work we would havefortunately, our previous firm was very reasonable with us and we were able to continue to work for most of our existing clients. But what about new ones?
We needn’t have worried. Together with a leading regional firm of accountants and a well-known Newcastle law firm, we held an evening seminar the following month at The Alnwick Garden Pavilion to put ourselves “out there”. It was a
u What soon became apparent is the power of the Galbraith brand
u Director Morpeth Office
Alistair Cochrane
resounding success: from that moment on, we have never been short of fulfilling, rewarding, good quality work.
But it was not just a case of the leads from that night. What soon became apparent is the power of the Galbraith brand. A good number of prospective clients, whose custom we had sought for years at our old firm without success, suddenly instructed us. In no time at all, we had secured a tremendous mix of retained estate management work and good quality professional consultancy work. I concluded that Galbraith is valued for its approachable, empathetic tone and style as much as for its formidable range of technical expertise.
I found the whole experience reassuring, rewarding and exciting, and that continues to this day, 3 years on.
One of my ambitions was to help establish Galbraith as a real force in farmland sales and acquisitions within Northern England. Within months, we had got our first farm sale instruction, and there has been a steady stream ever since. It is really pleasing when people say “I see Galbraith sale boards everywhere now!”.
I feel completely re-invigorated. I have a great range of clients and work with fantastic people. Our Morpeth headcount is up to nine and comprises a brilliant mix of young and more senior colleagues, although I am the oldest!
We work particularly closely with our Hexham, Blagdon and Penrith offices, although we see lots of our colleagues at our Scottish offices too. The central functions of Galbraith, especially the People and Culture and the Finance Teams, have been incredibly welcoming and helpful. I feel well supported but not over-managed. I really appreciate the trust and autonomy.
I suddenly realised, when meeting the Head of Rural for my first Performance Review, that I no longer get those Sunday Night Blues! By the end of the weekend, I actually look forward to getting back to the office to see my colleagues and friends. I find our Monday meeting stimulating and fun: we discuss our plans for the week, cover any relevant news and business opportunities, share chocolate and cake and invariably have a great laugh.
It certainly isn’t all hard work. I did my bit in 2024 for The All Roads Lead to Rome cycle event, raising money for MND5. This February, I was proud to join in an all-day sponsored litter pick at Druridge Bay beach, in aid of CLAPA, The Cleft Lip and Palate Association. I just had one question; why did we do it on a freezing winter day? The only plausible answer is because the fish and chips afterwards tasted even better!
Coming to Galbraith was the best career move I could have made. Whenever anyone asks me how my “new” job is going, I tell them that I am professionally rejuvenated!
So my message is: whatever age or stage you are in your career, Galbraith has so much to offer. It has been a great move for me, and I would recommend the Firm to anyone!
Alistair Cochrane Director
FINDING MY PLACE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
Despite growing up in rural Northumberland, I wasn’t sure what career I wanted to go into after leaving school. I chose to study History and Classics at Durham University and thoroughly enjoyed three great years there. However, by my final year I realised that I was drawn to a career that would allow me to work in the countryside and spend more time out and about.
Having always lived in a rural area, I have a strong appreciation for the countryside as well as an interest in property, wasting many hours browsing on Rightmove. Although I didn’t know a great deal about rural surveying when I came across the role, the combination of property, land and working outdoors made it feel like an opportunity worth pursuing, so I decided to throw my cap into the ring and apply for the position.
Fast forward six months, and I am thoroughly enjoying my role as a Graduate Rural Surveyor. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is the variety it offers; no two days are the same. From visiting farms and estates to assisting with valuations and management work, I have already had the opportunity to experience so many different areas of the job. Being able to get out of the office regularly and see projects first hand has been a highlight.
Alongside my day-to-day role, I am working towards my APC with the goal of qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor. As part of this, Galbraith is supporting me through the MProf in Rural Estate and Land Management at Harper Adams University. Balancing work alongside study can be hectic at times, but the two complement each other well. The academic side provides valuable context and technical knowledge, while the practical experience gained through work helps bring that learning to life. Coming into the profession from a non-agricultural background has naturally meant there is a lot to learn, but the support from colleagues and studying at Harper has made the transition far easier.
Looking ahead, I am excited to continue progressing through my MProf and APC, and working in a profession that combines property, people and the rural environment. For anyone considering a similar path, hopefully my experience so far can demonstrate that you don’t need a traditional background to find your place in rural surveying, just a willingness to learn and a love of the countryside.
Flora Swinburne Graduate Surveyor
When I joined Galbraith as Residential Sales Manager and took on the role of leading the sales team in Ayr in December 2024, I knew I was stepping into an exciting new chapter. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly I would feel part of something bigger, something genuinely collaborative, people focused, and full of opportunity.
MY JOURNEY SO FAR
with Natalie Fotheringham
From day one, I was welcomed not just as a new manager, but as a valued voice in the room. Galbraith has a way of making you feel both supported and empowered, which is a rare balance to strike. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to bring your ideas forward, where your perspective is appreciated, and where growth isn’t just a buzzword - it’s built into the culture.
One of the standout features of Galbraith is the sheer breadth of talent across the business. Working within a multidisciplinary environment means you’re constantly surrounded by people who are experts in their field-rural surveyors, land managers, property consultants and more. It’s a melting pot of knowledge, and collaboration isn’t just encouraged, it’s instinctive. If you need advice, there’s always someone willing to share their experience. If you want to learn something new, there’s always an opportunity to do so. That
openness has been instrumental in helping me grow not just as a manager, but as a professional who wants to keep pushing the boundaries of what great service looks like.
Galbraith’s commitment to its people goes far beyond day-to-day support. The Firm actively invests in personal development, and I’ve been fortunate to experience that first hand. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider is something I’m incredibly proud of, both personally and professionally. It’s a qualification that allows me to support colleagues in a meaningful way, and it reflects the organisation’s belief that wellbeing is fundamental to a thriving workplace. That focus on peoplereal people, with real lives, ambitions, and challenges, is what sets Galbraith apart. It’s a business that listens. A business that adapts. A business that genuinely values the individuals who make up its teams.
What excites me most about my journey with Galbraith so far is that it still feels like the beginning. The Ayr Sales Team is full of energy and ambition, and being part of its growth is both a privilege and a challenge I relish. Every day brings new opportunities to innovate, refine our approach, and deliver exceptional service to our clients. But more than anything, I’m inspired by the culture that underpins everything we do. A culture built on trust, collaboration, and the belief that when people are supported and appreciated, they do their best work.
Joining Galbraith has been one of the most rewarding steps in my career. And if the months ahead are anything like the months behind me, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Natalie Fotheringham Residential Sales Manager
u Representing Galbraith at Ayr County Show
It’s a place where you’re encouraged to bring your ideas forward, where your perspective is appreciated, and where growth isn’t just a buzzword - it’s built into the culture...
u Darcy Graham Edinburgh & Scotland
The 2025/26 season marked a significant milestone between Galbraith and Professional United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby as the two celebrated ten years of partnership. As Marketing Manager at Galbraith, this gave an opportunity to look back at the last decade's key successes.
example. Equally, Galbraith have supported grassroots clubs such as Howe of Fife and Kelso, who have close ties with the city club.
Galbraith has routinely hosted conferences and pre-match hospitality events, including the widely attended annual Farming Seminar, bringing both organisations’ communities closer and allowing us to say thanks to clients and colleagues through corporate hospitality.
This year’s annual farming seminar provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate a decade of partnership. With bespoke logo lockups used across a range of marketing materials including menus, table numbers, branded goodies and more, you could not miss the anniversary. The evening also included Q&As with a range of Edinburgh and Scotland greats, with WP Nel as the guest of honour.
Hearing them talk about the growth of the club both on and off the field over the past ten years was a great reminder of the goals both organisations share and the symbiotic relationship that has flourished through our partnership.
For season ten the club extended their partnership through the sponsoring of player Darcy Graham, a fan favourite both at the Hive and in Scottish Gas Murrayfield.
There are lots of further opportunities to develop this historic partnership and we are looking ahead to see how we can grow in a vastly evolving sports partnership landscape.
Callum Kerr Marketing Manager
Since joining as an on-kit sponsor in 2015, the Galbraith logo has been a constant fixture on the Edinburgh collar, establishing the property consultants as the club’s longestserving on-kit partner in 2023.
This association has strengthened over time, paralleling Edinburgh’s progression over the past decade, which includes its relocation to the permanent home of Hive Stadium in 2021 and growing their fan base and identity, leading to regular sell-out crowds.
As a marketing team, some partnership benefits need little work; from the broadcast and media exposure the logo gets, to fans in the standing seeing our LED sponsor-board artwork “whiz” along pitch-side. These moments are essential in building brand awareness.
What really makes the relationship special is the joint initiatives and shared values between the two organisations. Edinburgh’s commitment to grassroots clubs is echoed by Galbraith, who are keen to use partnerships like this to strengthen their input to local communities.
Using player appearances to support local agricultural shows has been an enormous success, drawing Edinburgh fans on to our stands to chat with our multifaceted team is one clear
u Callum Kerr interviews WP Nel at the 2026 Farming Seminar
My career on & off the pitch
My career has been shaped by a mix of people focused work and a longstanding passion for coaching. I began working at McDonald’s whilst at school and throughout university where I studied Psychology.
What started as a part time job became eight brilliant years, immersed in the chaos and camaraderie of it all. During my time there, I worked my way up to Assistant Manager, and this gave me a strong understanding of the value of effective people practices and sparked my interest in pursuing a career in HR.
By the time I finished my degree the opportunity arose to complete my CIPD Level 7 qualification in partnership with McDonald’s & Edinburgh College. I would fully recommend trying to do any professional qualification as an apprenticeship as it allows you to apply your learning in a practical environment. I completed this course in 2024, and this gave me a great foundation for transitioning my career from hospitality management to HR. I then started at Galbraith in 2025 as part of the People & Culture team.
Throughout this time, I was both playing and coaching football. I have played football for as long as I can remember and it is one of my biggest passions. Following a long-term injury, I decided to step back from playing and focus on coaching more. I was not expecting to love it as much as I do. I have been lucky
enough to continue working with the first team as their GK coach in the SWPL2 and this gives me a great competitive outlet. If anything, I now find games more stressful as a coach rather than a player! It makes all the hours on the training pitch worthwhile when you see the work come into play on a match day. I have also more recently become Head of Academy Goalkeeping within the club and have been working with the youth goalkeepers for over five years now. It has been so rewarding being a part of their football journey, especially seeing them break into senior squads.
Throughout both my professional and coaching career, I have loved the opportunity to work with people from many diverse backgrounds, and this has taught me so much about how to adapt and work with different people. In my time with Galbraith, I have really enjoyed getting to know so many new people and develop relationships in a fairly brief period of time. I am grateful to my colleagues for facilitating an environment that encourages this. It has been brilliant moving to a new sector, and in a role that encompasses a wide range of HR practices. Working within a Firm that put an emphasis on its people makes the role really rewarding as I have had the opportunity to get involved in exciting and varied projects and feel I can contribute value in my work.
For now, my next steps are to gain my chartership status and keep building on everything I have learnt so far.
Katie Moodie People & Culture Administrator
In my time with Galbraith, I have really enjoyed getting to know so many new people and develop relationships in a fairly brief period of time...
Katie Moodie
CHARITY MONTH
with Megan Morrissey
Our fundraising activities included:
I was honoured to be chosen by my colleagues as the Edinburgh office’s Team Captain for this year’s firmwide fundraiser, alongside my fantastic co-captain, Kerry Harvey.
The challenge, which took place across the month of January, gave each office the chance to come together and raise money for a charity of our choice.
For Edinburgh, the decision was easy. We chose to support SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health). As Mental Health First Aiders for Galbraith, both Kerry and I felt strongly about supporting this charity. SAMH’s work has such a positive impact across Scotland and is very important to us, and we knew our colleagues would agree.
About SAMH
SAMH has been supporting Scotland’s mental health since 1923. Today, they operate more than 60 services across the country, offering mental health social care, addiction support, employment services, and more. Their work also extends to national programmes such as See Me, Respect Me, suicide prevention initiatives, and physical activity and sport programmes, all aimed at driving meaningful social change.
Fundraising Efforts
Once the office agreed on our chosen charity, we got straight to work. We planned a range of initiatives designed to get everyone involved, and they certainly did. In fact, a few of our ideas were picked up by other offices too!
Charity Raffle: Colleagues donated items to
• create a fantastic hamper, with raffle tickets sold at £1 each.
Football Card: With 80 teams available at £5
• per entry, the winner took home £100 while £300 went directly to SAMH. Several people bought multiple teams, which really boosted the total.
Dress Down Fridays: A firm favourite —
• casual Fridays for £2 a week. Some colleagues are now lobbying to keep this going permanently.
Coffee & Cake Morning: Our talented office
• bakers delivered an impressive spread of cakes and treats, with a minimum donation of £2 to take part.
And then there was one particularly bold contribution…
Taking on the Highland Swing
One team member decided to take on a personal challenge to raise even more money. That team member was ME! I’m still not entirely sure what possessed me, but the drive to raise awareness and funds for SAMH gave me the courage to face my fear of heights and complete the Highland Swing. That challenge alone raised over £400, making every shaky moment absolutely worth it.
A team effort to be proud of
The Edinburgh office truly came together in support of SAMH, showing generosity, creativity and team spirit throughout the month. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we raised a fantastic £1,875 which contributed to the overall Firm total of an incredible £10,970.
We couldn’t be prouder of what we achieved together!
Megan Morrissey Personal Assistant
GETTING THE BALANCE RIGHT
After deciding to take a career break to retrain in forestry, securing a parttime role as Assistant Forest Manager with Galbraith has provided the ideal opportunity to build a new career while continuing my studies and balancing family life.
With a BSc (Hons) in Biology and an MSc in Rural Development and Resource Management, I spent over 20 years working as a Project Manager and Consultant primarily on projects and feasibility studies related to the forestry sector, including biomass and tree health.
Throughout that time, I worked closely with foresters and was always a little envious of their roles, their technical expertise and opportunity to be out in the woods. While I enjoyed working in the Environmental and Rural sector, I had never intended to pursue a purely desk-based role and always hoped to spend more time working outdoors.
Last year, I took the opportunity to refocus my career and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Forestry with Bangor University. After meeting Russell Porter, Senior Associate in the Forestry Team, at a conference last summer, I was offered a two-month paid work placement with Galbraith. This provided invaluable insight into the breadth of work undertaken by the Forestry Team, as well as the supportive and collaborative culture within the firm. Following that experience, I was delighted to accept a permanent part-time position beginning in September 2025.
The part time nature of the position has allowed me to continue to dedicate time to the studying and training I require as a new Forester, without negatively impacting on time with my family and other life commitments...
Kate Hutchinson
The part time nature of the position has allowed me to continue to dedicate time to the studying and training I require as a new Forester, without negatively impacting on time with my family and other life commitments. Six months into the position, I am thoroughly enjoying the work and the supportive team environment. I am particularly grateful for the time colleagues invest in mentoring and developing my skills. The role offers an excellent balance between office-based work and time outdoors. I particularly enjoy carrying out woodland surveys - even in the rain!
Changing career mid-way is not without risk, but the opportunity and support provided by Galbraith have made that transition both achievable and rewarding.
Kate Hutchinson Assistant Forest Manager
LENGTH OF SERVICE MILESTONES
2026
10 YEARS
• Richard Haggart
• James Towers
• Sarah Hazzard
• Emma Forsyth
• Geoff Laird-Portch
2026 marks a number of Galbraith colleagues reaching significant length of service milestones.
The Firm is proud to recognise the dedication and loyalty of our team, whose expertise and commitment continue to shape our success.
15 YEARS
• Neil Wright
• Phiddy Robertson
20 YEARS
• Susan Guthrie
Galbraith’s commitment to its people goes far beyond day-today support. The Firm actively invests in personal development...
An unexpected journey into data, compliance, and finding home
FROM ARCHITECTURE TO COMPLIANCE
When I look back at my journey to Galbraith, it doesn’t follow a straight line. It’s a story shaped by curiosity, risk and cultural change.
I began my career studying Architecture in Greece, drawn to the idea of creating something meaningful from nothing. Architecture taught me how to think structurally—not just about buildings, but about systems, relationships, and the importance of precision. The process itself was deeply analytical, and looking back, it was my first real introduction to working with data.
After graduating, I began my career as a freelancer before securing my first role in the public sector with the Archaeology Department on a national road toll station development project. It was an exciting and interesting year, witnessing the excavation process unfold and seeing remarkable discoveries emerge from the site. Before moving abroad, I also worked for a major information technology company in Athens, where I was introduced to CRM and ERP systems.
What makes Galbraith special is the people and the culture. There is a strong sense of professionalism but also support and trust...
Nikoleta Georgakopoulou
u I moved into concept design, working on ambitious projects that took me as far as China
In the next chapter of my life, I moved into concept design, working on ambitious projects that took me as far as China, where I spent two years contributing to large-scale developments. Living and working in China was both eye-opening and challenging in ways I had not anticipated. It wasn’t professional pressure that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but rather the realisation that creativity was often overlooked in favour of speed and production. Outside of work, the challenge of truly integrating into the culture was difficult and left me feeling disconnected. It was a formative experience, one that made me reflect deeply on what I wanted; not only in my career, but in my life.
I realised I was looking for balance, stability, and a place where I could build a future. Moving to Scotland was a turning point. Over time, Scotland became more than just a place I lived; it became home. I found a sense of calm, belonging, and opportunity that allowed me to rebuild and redefine my career.
I joined LAS initially as a temporary Data Entry Administrator, a role very different from architecture and design. At the time, it was simply an opportunity to work and begin again. But what started as an entry-level position evolved into something much more meaningful. I rediscovered my natural affinity for working with data, systems, and processes. Over the course of nine years, I grew alongside the organisation. I took ownership of technical projects, supported webinar facilitation, contributed to marketing communications, and became involved in compliance processes. That experience reshaped my professional identity. I realised I was not only capable of adapting, but of thriving in technical and datadriven environments.
Joining Galbraith as Compliance & Data Officer marked the next chapter in that journey. From the very beginning, I was incredibly fortunate to have superb support from my line manager, whose guidance and encouragement helped me settle into the role. The trust placed in me and my work has been both motivating and empowering.
What makes Galbraith special is the people and the culture. There is a strong sense of professionalism but also support and trust. In just six months, I have already grown in confidence and capability, and I feel proud to contribute to the integrity and resilience of the business. I am excited to continue developing my expertise and to contribute even more to strengthening Galbraith’s compliance and data practices as I grow within the organisation.
Looking back, my career has taken unexpected turns but each step has shaped who I am today. Galbraith represents more than just a new role. It represents progress, purpose, and the continuation of a journey defined by growth, resilience, and finding where I truly belong.
Nikoleta Georgakopoulou Compliance & Data Officer
My path from the Army to finance to Galbraith
Hard work has always been part of my life. I come from a military background where values such as commitment, discipline and responsibility were simply part of everyday life. Growing up around that environment had a big influence on me and shaped the way I approach both work and life.
I started working when I was sixteen. My first job was as a secretary, which gave me my first real experience of working in a professional environment. It taught me how important organisation, reliability and attention to detail are, and it gave me a strong foundation that has helped me throughout my career. At eighteen I joined the Army. Coming from a military background it felt like a natural step for me. My time in the Army taught me a great deal about discipline, resilience and how to deal with pressure. It also showed me the importance of teamwork and looking out for the people around you. Those lessons have stayed with me and still influence the way I work today.
After leaving the Army I moved into finance and accounting. I worked in accountancy practice and spent time working as a self-employed Accountant. During that time, I gained a lot of experience managing accounts and supporting clients, and I gradually built a strong understanding of the financial side of business. For around fourteen years I worked remotely. That
meant being responsible for managing my own workload and making sure deadlines were met without the structure of a traditional office. It required a lot of discipline and organisation, but it also helped me become very independent and accountable in my work.
Outside of work, giving something back to the military community has always been important to me. I have climbed a number of mountains to raise money for PTSD charities that support veterans. These challenges were tough but very rewarding, and it felt like a meaningful way to support people who have served and may still be facing difficulties.
u Outside of work my life is also kept busy by my three rescue Border Collies; Captain, Scout, and Major
Joining Galbraith was an important step for me. After many years working remotely, being part of a respected Firm and working alongside colleagues again was something I really valued. I genuinely enjoy working for Galbraith. The people I work with, the clients we support and being part of a team make the role very rewarding.
Outside of work my life is also kept busy by my three rescue Border Collies; Captain, Scout, and Major. They are very much part of my world and keep life interesting, energetic, and full of character.
Looking back, starting work at sixteen, joining the Army at eighteen and building a career in finance have all played a part in shaping the person I am today. The discipline and work ethic I learned early in life continue to guide how I approach my work, and I look forward to continuing to build my career with Galbraith.
Michelle Hamilton Senior Client Accountant
In the field
A job which has its roots in the natural environment was always the goal, and the role of Rural Estate Manager seemed appealing, although for most of my life I couldn’t have told you what a land agent actually did.
This vision channelled me into studying Environmental Geography at university, despite my aim being firstly to commission into the regular Army for my 20's. Once achy knees dictated the time was right, I switched profession into a new, rural/environmental based role.
It was in my final year of studying that I became clued into the job of a Land Agent and decided that I would instead follow this career path and get my military fix through becoming an active member of the reserves. With that, I completed a RICS Accredited Land Economy Master's at Aberdeen and moved to Inverness.
As a Graduate Surveyor in Inverness, my time primarily consists of estate management, valuations of rural property, mapping, and more recently the world of carbon credits. Each of these areas throws up varied and generally interesting work, and subsequently I often don’t know precisely what my day will entail when I get to work each morning. What is consistent though, is that I interact with an enormous range of people, on projects which are always unique. For me, highlights include days where I am out the office in some of Scotland’s most beautiful properties and landscapes, whether to value, to gather information, or simply to appreciate on the drive home.
My time as a Rural Surveyor & Army Reservist
As a Reservist Infanteer, I serve with 7th SCOTS, who are a light role battalion in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Our role is to train and prepare for a range of circumstances, whether conflict, peacekeeping, domestic support, or to infill the regular battalions as and when required. Despite only being with the reserves for a few years, I have gained a lot in terms of resilience, teamwork, managing stress, and have also learned a lot about people and what makes them tick. Highlights so far have included completing the demanding Pre Parachute Selection (P Coy) course, an array of live firing various weapons, obtaining a skiing qualification in the Alps, and a host of UK based exercises.
Despite the two roles being distinctly different, I find there are many skills and values which cross over, ultimately forging a broader perspective beneficial to Galbraith, the Army, and to myself. I also believe that pushing myself outside of work is important in achieving a personal sense of fulfilment, and the Army will always offer this. I am incredibly grateful for Galbraith’s supportive position on the reserves, as although much of the training is conducted at weekends, it simply isn’t possible to get full value without completing multi-week courses.
James Masson Graduate Surveyor
Aberdeen 01224 860 710
aberdeen@galbraithgroup.com
Ayr 01292 268 181 ayr@galbraithgroup.com
Blagdon 01670 789 621
blagdon@galbraithgroup.com
Castle Douglas 01556 505 346
castledouglas@galbraithgroup.com
Cupar 01334 659 980 cupar@galbraithgroup.com
Edinburgh 0131 240 6960
edinburgh@galbraithgroup.com
Hexham 01434 693 693
hexham@galbraithgroup.com
Inverness 01463 224 343
inverness@galbraithgroup.com
Kelso 01573 224 244
kelso@galbraithgroup.com
Morpeth 01670 331 500
morpeth@galbraithgroup.com
Penrith 01768 800 830
penrith@galbraithgroup.com
Perth 01738 451 111 perth@galbraithgroup.com
Stirling 01786 434 600 stirling@galbraithgroup.com
Galbraith operates from 13 offices across Scotland and Northern England, bringing our clients a wealth of experience in:
• Building consultancy
• Commercial forestry & woodland management
• Commercial property sales & management
• Estate, farm & forestry sales & acquisitions
• Estates, farming & land management
• Natural capital & carbon
• Property lettings
• Renewables and utilities
• Residential estate agency