First job: Before I became a Surveyor I was a Chef.

First car: Fiat X19. Bought it damaged (cost £400), my dad helped me get it on the road.

What did the start of your professional life look like: When I was in University I had summer work experience with DM Hall in the Inverness office with John Albiston and Graham Forbes. John offered me a Graduate position in 1998 and qualified as a Chartered surveyor in 2000. I relocated to Glasgow in 2006 with DM Hall and worked in South Lanarkshire until 2009 when I was moved into the Glasgow office.

Best advice received: Make sure you look your best every day, you never know who you may meet. Also my grandfather always told me to polish my shoes.

What do you like most about your job: Working in Glasgow in a very competitive and diverse residential market. Getting out and about entertaining clients

And least: Long hours, but required!.

Biggest professional achievement or Biggest personal achievement: Qualifying as a Surveyor after changing my profession. Qualifying as a chef and ultimately working in a 3 Michelin star restaurant in London.

The repair most worth doing to your property is: If you have a property with damp/rot issues, get it sorted.

How do you see the current crisis panning out for your sector: The outlook for the residential property market appears very positive and we’re optimistic about returning to a vibrant residential sector. In Glasgow and the West where I work, Estate Agents and Solicitors are seeing a surge in instructions and enquiries, suggesting an encouraging return to a healthy residential market.

How do you switch off: Walking the dogs, cooking, swimming, gym, fishing and watching Formula 1.

What do you listen to in the car: Radio 5 live sport, New Order, Joy Division, The Smiths, Stone Roses, Beastie Boys to name a few.

Which social media sites so you like/prefer: LinkedIn and Facebook.

If you weren’t in your current job, what would you be doing: Restoring and selling classic cars or a Chef for a Formula 1 Team.

Favourite holiday destination: The Lakes in Italy. Sailing with my mates in Croatia.

What makes you happy: A work- free weekend with my wife Grace and the dogs, great food and wine, cooking for friends, Formula 1 weekends on the couch and a Sunday roast.