I’m Alistair, an events professional and care-experienced advocate with a passion for creating inclusive, accessible, and community-centred experiences.

My journey in events began over 15 years ago, volunteering with festivals, charities, and cultural organisations across Scotland. These early experiences shaped my belief that events can bring people together, challenge inequalities, and create meaningful social impact.

My formal return to education began in 2019 at Edinburgh College, where I rebuilt my academic foundations before progressing to Edinburgh Napier University in 2021. I graduated in 2024 with a First-Class BA (Hons) in International Festival and Event Management, receiving the AEME Best Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Focused Event Student Award, a national recognition of my commitment to inclusive practice.

I continued my studies at Heriot-Watt University, completing an MSc in International Marketing (Consumer Psychology) with Merit in late 2025. During this time, I received a Special Recognition Award for founding the Event Society and organising postgraduate mixers to reduce isolation, and was honoured with the Best Student Event Award at the NOEA Awards 2025 for my leadership of Meadows Marathon, further strengthening my focus on purpose-led event design.

Across my career, I’ve supported a wide range of festivals and organisations, including work with StagEHd Festival, the Lammermuir Festival, and several Pride organisations across Scotland. I have been part of the year-round team at Hidden Door since 2022, working across multiple roles, and in 2026 I serve as Site & Venue Manager for the festival. My experience spans logistics, programming, accessibility planning, stakeholder engagement, and volunteer leadership. I’ve also contributed to the delivery of TEDxHeriot-Watt University, Pride Edinburgh, West Lothian Pride, and Oban Pride.

I developed SlayOff! in late 2025, a live event platforming queer talent with an entirely LGBTQIA+ cast. Built from the ground up, I brought together performers, judges, students, and production teams to create an inclusive, high-energy experience that celebrated queer artistry and community. The event, which I delivered in April 2026, received strong audience engagement and overwhelmingly positive feedback, reinforcing my commitment to creating spaces where underrepresented voices are seen and celebrated.

Alongside my events work, I have supported care-experienced learners through my involvement with the Hub for Success across Edinburgh and the Lothians. This reflects my commitment to widening access, equity, and systemic change, informed by both lived experience and professional expertise.

Through this website, I share my portfolio, publications, and personal journey, showcasing my work across events, consumer psychology, EDI, accessibility, and community advocacy. If you’d like to connect or collaborate, I’d love to hear from you. Find me on LinkedIn.

Thanks for visiting! Here’s to what comes next.