The faces behind our training team
Scottish Media Training was formed by Devin Scobie and Kevin Dorrian – two of Scotland’s most experienced media communications professionals.
Devin Scobie
Devin has been media training since the late 1980s. He started his career with a houseboat interview with Sir Richard Branson which won him the Runner Up Award in The Herald’s Student Journalist of the Year competition back in 1986. That opened the door to a career with HarperCollins writing travel guides whilst still finding time to write for, edit and publish several sell out arts magazines before moving into communications consultancy.
In addition to SMT training, Devin specialises in political communications and over the last few years has advised a wide range of companies including Diageo GB, Arriva Trains, Tesco, ScottishPower, Lloyds TSB and the National Trust for Scotland. He has expertise in understanding the media needs of charities, having worked with or served as a director of around 20 since the 1990s. Devin is currently Chair of the Trustees of a Scottish charity which funds a primary school in Pakistan.
Kevin Dorrian
Kevin is one of the country’s leading Public Relations and Media Relations specialists. An award-winning PR consultant, he initially cut his teeth in local radio in the 1980s delivering traffic and travel news across Radio Forth, Radio Tay and BBC Radio Scotland.
He underwent intensive media training at BBC Scotland (the old Queen Margaret Drive, building in Glasgow ) at also at the world renowned BBC Langham College in London – opposite Broadcasting House.
He continues to act as a PR consultant for a number of national and internationally-focused clients and his skills as a media training specialist – with a specific focus on broadcast, social media and crisis communications training – are very much in demand.
Scottish Media Training Associates
Tom Harris
Tom is a former Glasgow Member of Parliament, Transport Minister, journalist and author; Tom leads our Westminster committee training courses and supports our media training work.
Linda Gilroy
Linda is a former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Private Secretary who represented an English constituency for thirteen years; Linda supports our Westminster courses and brings particular knowledge of the non-Scottish media.
Mark Mackenzie-Smith
Mark is our brand and presentations expert; leads our unique Presentation Skills courses and brings over 30 years business experience to the SMT team.
Linda Bruce
Linda is a qualified language teacher and media relations consultant; Linda was extensive PR experience and helps deliver our media training courses.