Hi I'm
Claire Donaldson

Since graduating with a degree in Tourism two decades ago I have always worked and been passionate about the tourism industry. My journey began working on board the QE2 closely followed by the Orient Express Luxury Canal Barges in France – two pretty different experiences.

After some travelling, working abroad and learning about new cultures I returned to Scotland and became a cabin crew member for a couple of years before initiating my own events catering business, providing homemade produce for various prestigious events throughout Scotland. It was during this time I made the tenuous (but strategic) decision to train in food hygiene and become a trainer, and this allowed me to get my foot in the door to becoming a lecturer.

In 2012 I joined SRUC as a Tourism Lecturer and gained my higher education teaching qualification along with an MBA.

I deliver a wide range of tourism-focused modules over various degree programs. My area of expertise and interest is rural tourism and how this is utilised as a form of economic development to improve the lives of rural communities. I have been lucky enough to participate in Erasmus learning trips during my time at SRUC to places like Romania, Iceland and Sicily to further my understanding of rural tourism.

I have two young children, and enjoy being outside whatever the weather – though sunshine is always preferred! We like going on hikes, country walks, bike rides and stand-up-paddle-boarding whenever we can.