Jamie Donachie, Operations Manager

Jamie was in the early stages of a career with the Royal Navy before he joined the Cutting department of Scottish Leather Group on a temporary contract in 2017. Jamie learned various roles in the Cutting department, and after a few months, he was offered full-time employment.

Keen to learn more about the business, Jamie has actively pursued other opportunities within Scottish Leather Group, which has seen him take on operational excellence and production supervisor roles. These roles helped Jamie to develop sound manufacturing principles and effective leadership, giving Jamie a solid foundation to deliver key business objectives to a high standard.

Jamie is continually developing himself to learn more about the business and is now studying for a degree in engineering.

"Since I joined Scottish Leather Group, I’ve been treated with respect for the work and dedication I’ve put into every role. Within the first seven years of my career at Scottish Leather Group, I stepped away from the shop floor to lead a full manufacturing process across multiple sites."

Iona Wright, Innovation and Sustainability Technician

When Iona left high school, she planned to study at the Glasgow School of Art, but she was also looking at other opportunities available when she noticed a vacancy for a Designer at Bridge of Weir Leather. After speaking to the HR team and learning about the various opportunities available, she joined our SLG Academy in 2016 as an Apprentice.

Since then, Iona's career has progressed through various roles across different departments, allowing her to build her knowledge of the business.

"I love that there is always something new to learn, therefore, plenty of opportunities. I really enjoy learning the processes and learning the history of the tannery. Processes change all the time, and whether this is for customer’s specification or to become more eco-friendly, it's a great feeling knowing I’m part of that history."

David Currie, Quality Systems Engineer

At 15, David left school hoping to join the Royal Engineers. However, he began his career journey with Muirhead and started in the Warehouse department, measuring and packing leather for customers worldwide.

His career then progressed to operating machinery for leather processing. When a position became available for a Health & Safety Representative, David took on this role to make Muirhead a better and safer place for all. This role was a great learning experience for David, and he was soon offered other roles over the years as a Trainer, Team Leader and Production Manager.

In 2020, a promotion led him to Operations Training Manager, and with over 40 years' service with Scottish Leather Group, David still has that same passion for improving our business as he did when he joined us as a school leaver.

"I am fortunate that my role provides me with daily opportunities to guide, support and assist my colleagues, to help make them and the business to be as successful as possible."