Studies
I studied HND Software Development and BSc Computer Science, graduating in the year 2000. Most of my development studies involved using the Delphi IDE (Turbo Pascal), with some C++ and Java in the mix. As a result of a degree project, I ended up being offered work by a business continuity software company called Criticall Limited.
Software Development and Databases
While at Criticall I was key in developing full-stack web applications to manage emergency incidents, such as nuclear accidents, chemical spills, UK-wide power failure management (black start incidents), and terrorist attacks. Our team built a notification engine named Nerv8, using Java; while the incident management was made with PHP, HTML, CSS and Javascript. Databases for the system included Microsoft SQL Server and for some solutions, MySQL.
I also developed a lot of Windows native applications using Delphi for customer solutions and front-end interfaces as well as building server network applications with TCP/IP socket protocols transferring encrypted data across large distances (called Fast Data Stream or FDS).
Hebridean Software
In 2005 I became a freelance developer trading as Hebware. I was still working with my previous employer in a data management and development consultancy role and with local businesses and the community.
Lecturing
In 2007 I found myself supply lecturing at the Lews Castle College in Stornoway, and by 2012 I was lecturing full-time.
My subjects included:
- Software development (Windows, Web and Android)
- Relational database design
- Normalisation
- Database diagrams
- SQL using MySQL
- Creative digital media
- (Raster and vector image editing and creation,
- Audio editing and DAW’s
- Video editing
- Games design and development
I taught games development studies (using Construct 2, then Construct 3) both to school children and entry-level classes as a way to engage and encourage young people to take up software development. - Office Applications
ECDL and SQA subjects with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
2023 – Present
After 16 years (as of June 2023) I stepped back from teaching and am currently focused on my own software projects, exploring current development technologies, and picking up side hussles as they come along.