Why did you want to work in Museums?
I was born in Canada and moved to the UK in 1973. My forebears were either seamen or clergy, so becoming a curator in a maritime museums seemed a natural career compromise choice. Working with Parks Canada for three summers during my university career gave me an insight into how "real things" can bring history to life. Museums provide the opportunity to work with historical objects and build collections that have the ability to speak to people of past lives.

What's your favourite part of the job?
Every day is different, which is very refreshing. You have to expect the unexpected and the truly terrific moments when a new object is handed into the museum, which is of great historical importance. That and Friday afternoon coffee and cake!

What's your favourite object?
The Murchison Oil Platform model which punches through three floors of the the stunning Aberdeen Maritime Museum.