Matt began his career in the early 1990s as an engineer working in Texas and the North Sea, but soon chose to leave this lucrative path to embark on an outdoor career.
He completed a Diploma in Outdoor Activities, followed by a summer season in Orkney, a year on the ‘Nightwatch’ Scheme at a national centre, and a period as a Senior Instructor.
He later stepped away from delivery to complete a Master’s Degree in Outdoor Education at Moray House, focusing his dissertation on a wilderness programme for challenging youth in Colorado. This led to roles in higher education, first as a lecturer at St Martin’s College and then as a Senior Lecturer at UCLAN.
Between these posts, Matt filled his time with freelance work and paddling or climbing trips around the world. An early expedition to Chile sparked an interest in the transformative power of wilderness experiences—a theme that has continued through his involvement in youth expeditions and in supporting students to undertake their own independent journeys.
In 2010 Matt moved to Oban, where he fell in love with sea kayaking, before settling in Inverness. He continues to enjoy the diverse coastal and mountain landscapes of the Highlands, balancing a busy family life with freelance work.
Matt has been involved in delivering nationally recognised qualifications since the late 1990s. He holds the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor award, British Canoeing Level 4 (Inland), Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, and Sea Kayak Coach qualifications.
While his professional work has centred on kayaking and mountaineering, he has also enjoyed windsurfing, dinghy sailing and yacht sailing over the years.
