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As FDF Scotland's CEO David is part of the senior FDF management team. David represents the views and concerns of our food and drink members to Scottish and UK governments, other policy makers, politicians and the media. David is a member of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership Board and an Honorary Fellow of Abertay University for his work supporting the food and drink industry. He previously worked at the Scottish Government, including five years as Head of Food, Drink and Rural Communities.
After completing a degree in Environmental Biology and a Masters in Food Biotechnology I stated working in the food industry as a QC for a coffee and tea manufacture. I then moved on to Regulatory Affairs Office in an ingredient manufacturer (specifications and legislation). I then became a Customer Services Technologist (retailer facing for a major fish processing site dealing with all of the retailers) and then aTechnical Manager of a fresh produce site. I am now Head of Technical at Strathmore Foods.
After I left school, I originally trained as a chef, but I soon realised I was looking for more from career. I studies Food and Consumer Science at Abertay and loved every minute of it, I secured a placement as Highland Game during my 3rd year of Uni and I've never left. I worked from QC to now running a small NPD department as Highland Game with the help from our Sales director and Quality Manager.
Ruth Birt FIFST holds a Food Science degree and a Masters in Food Law, with over 30 years’ experience in Regulatory Affairs in the food industry. After 15 years in a blue-chip medical foods company, Ruth established her consultancy business offering regulatory advice to the specialised foods sector in areas including infant formulae, baby foods, medical foods, gluten-free foods and food supplements. Her career has covered all aspects of regulatory work including food labelling, product registration, responding to consultations, negotiation & advocacy at government level and representing clients in trade association meetings. Ruth is the Vice Chair of the IFST Scotland Branch.
Shaun is a Registered Associate Nutritionist and health coach with an MSc in Human Nutrition and BSc in Food Science. His work centres on supporting people to build sustainable habits around nutrition through evidence-based guidance and compassionate coaching. He partners with individuals focusing on lifestyle change to help them feel confident in their own routines with food, exercise and health. Alongside his coaching, Shaun creates clear nutrition content for the public, collaborates with fitness and health professionals, and contributes to providing trustworthy nutrition information across the UK.