Iain grew up in the North East of Scotland, studied Engineering at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, then embarked upon a career in the oil industry that took him around the world. After seven years in Perth, Western Australia, Iain and family returned to Scotland in 2007 choosing Perth to found expert Engineering consultancy Merlin ERD Limited. The business grew strongly, creating jobs, prosperity and collecting numerous accolades, including two Queens Awards for Enterprise, which involved being presented to Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Iain apportions much of Merlin’s success to being based in Perth; where a capable workforce, low business costs and superb connectivity, combine with high quality standard of living and education options provide a potent mix to attract the quality of individuals required to build a brilliant business.

In 2021 Iain moved to a non-executive Director role as part of his succession, which started in 2017 with Merlin’s transition Employee Ownership. Having built a world class business in Perth, Iain is passionate about the opportunities the city offers to unlock prosperity through sustainable enterprise and renewable energy.

Iain is married to Debbie, who was the marketing genius behind Merlin’s success. They have three children and he flies a Spitfire replica to “relax”.

Life. No rehearsals.