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鈥淚 was the oldest in the class, but the other students didn鈥檛 see age - they just saw 鈥楧ougie鈥�.鈥�

As a boy, Dougie spent much of his time outdoors, climbing trees and exploring, which sparked a lifelong love of nature. He confesses that he 鈥榟ated school with a passion鈥� so, after a 30-year career as a Network Engineer with BT, the idea of returning to education felt quite daunting.

鈥淢y wife is a lecturer, and she suggested I consider college. I explored what Oatridge had to offer and came across the NC in Countryside Management. I thought鈥攚ho knows where it might lead?鈥�

Although Dougie knew this experience would be different to school, he still felt a little apprehensive due to his age. As it happened, there were two other mature students on the course, including one who lived in the next聽street,聽so they were able to car share.

鈥淭he lecturer introduced the course and then sent us off for coffee, which helped everyone relax. My fears about being the mature student quickly disappeared.鈥�

As a hands-on, visual learner, Dougie found the course especially engaging. The practical elements, from nature trips to plant identification, really brought the subject to life. In the first week, Dougie recalls the class going up Binny Craig, a prominent landmark in the grounds of 伊人直播 Oatridge.

鈥淚 remember聽turning to the lecturer and聽saying,聽鈥楽ee if this was my classroom as a boy, I would be a professor by now.鈥欌��

After completing the NC Countryside Management course in 2021, Dougie spotted an opportunity for a two-year Trees & Timber Apprenticeship with Forestry and Land Scotland. Encouraged by his wife and a friend, he applied and was offered a place鈥攁n opportunity he believes might not have come his way without his time at college.

After sixteen months, Dougie felt ready for a new challenge that would allow him to grow further. He came across a full-time Landscape Operative role at Heriot-Watt University and decided to apply. Following an interview, he was delighted to be offered the position the very same day.

Now, Dougie works across the university鈥檚 400-acre campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh. His role is varied and fulfilling, from maintaining landscapes to supporting local wildlife. No two days are the same鈥攐ne moment he might be helping rescue pipistrelle bats from offices, the next pruning shrubs or working on tree care.

A keen photographer, Dougie often returns to 伊人直播 Oatridge to walk and capture images, bringing back fond memories of his time there. Being a local lad makes those connections even more meaningful.

鈥淭here鈥檚 the footpath I helped to build, the wildlife garden I worked on. Seeing those projects and knowing I played a part in them is incredibly rewarding. It鈥檚 not just what I learned鈥攊t鈥檚 the people I met along the way.鈥�