Derek has owned and run the Drimnin Estate, on the western tip of the Morvern peninsula, just north of the Isle of Mull, since 2002. The estate has played a key role in the regeneration of the Drimnin community, with a continuous programme of restoring its buildings, constructing new affordable houses, restoring the natural environment, and creating employment in tourism, forestry and a new distillery. The 10 new jobs have been instrumental in increasing the permanent resident population. The ruined 19th century chapel overlooking the Sound of Mull has been restored as a music venue hosting residencies and an annual string quartet academy for young ensembles, as well as concerts for the community. The distillery is committed to product innovation. It is also unique in being the only fully organic distillery, with net zero certification operating entirely on renewable energy (mostly woodchip from the estate’s forests), and B Corp certification. This work has earned two Helping it Happen awards for the estate.
In addition to his work at Drimnin, Derek brings experience from a career that is included the private, public and third sectors - Ford Motor Company, Granada Television, retail, hospitality, brewing, leisure, education, training, healthcare, social care and leading the prison service in England and Wales. His not-for-profit roles have included chairing Royal Mencap Society and currently include chairing Community Alcohol Partnerships and UHI North, West and Hebrides, while also serving on the UHI Court.
Derek says that he wanted to join the SLE board in the hope that he could in some way help rural businesses across Scotland to achieve their full potential in creating strong, vibrant and sustainable communities, while receiving the recognition that they deserve in doing so.
Derek retired and was re-appointed to the board in May 2023.